A comprehensive volumetric analysis of the cerebellum in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

ABSTRACT: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postmortem neuropathological studies have implicated the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of autism. Controversy remains, however, concerning the nature and the consistency of cerebellar alterations. MRI studies of the cross-sectional area of the vermis have found both decreases and no difference in autism groups. Volumetric analysis of the vermis, which is less prone to "plane of section artifacts" may provide a more reliable assessment of size differences but few such studies exist in the literature. Here we present the results of a volumetric analysis of the structure of the whole cerebellum and its components in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Structural MRI's were acquired from 62 male participants (7.5 to 18.5 years-old)

SUBMITTER: Scott JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2999464 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature