Callosal thickness reductions relate to facial dysmorphology in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

TitleCallosal thickness reductions relate to facial dysmorphology in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsYang Y, Phillips OR, Kan E, Sulik KK, Mattson SN, Riley EP, Jones KL, Adnams CM, May PA, O'Connor MJ, Narr KL, Sowell ER
JournalAlcohol Clin Exp Res
Volume36
Issue5
Pagination798-806
Date Published2012 May
ISSN1530-0277
KeywordsAdolescent, Child, Cognition, Corpus Callosum, Face, Female, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Humans, Male, Pregnancy
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Structural abnormalities of the corpus callosum (CC), such as reduced size and increased shape variability, have been documented in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). However, the regional specificity of altered CC structure, which may point to the timing of neurodevelopmental disturbances and/or relate to specific functional impairments, remains unclear. Furthermore, associations between facial dysmorphology and callosal structure remain undetermined.

METHODS: One hundred and fifty-three participants (age range 8 to 16) including 82 subjects with FASD and 71 nonexposed controls were included in this study. The structural magnetic resonance imaging data of these subjects was collected at 3 sites (Los Angeles and San Diego, California, and Cape Town, South Africa) and analyzed using classical parcellation schemes, as well as more refined surface-based geometrical modeling methods, to identify callosal morphological alterations in FASD at high spatial resolution.

RESULTS: Reductions in callosal thickness and area, specifically in the anterior third and the splenium, were observed in FASD compared with nonexposed controls. In addition, reduced CC thickness and area significantly correlated with reduced palpebral fissure length.

CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with previous reports, findings suggest an adverse effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on callosal growth and further indicate that fiber pathways connecting frontal and parieto-occipital regions in each hemisphere may be particularly affected. Significant associations between callosal and facial dysmorphology provide evidence for a concurrent insult to midline facial and brain structural development in FASD.

DOI10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01679.x
Alternate JournalAlcohol. Clin. Exp. Res.
PubMed ID22150665
PubMed Central IDPMC3309126
Grant ListK99 MH093388-01 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
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