Longitudinal MRI Reveals Altered Trajectory of Brain Development during Childhood and Adolescence in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5004-12.2013
• Publication Date: 2013-06-12T16:39:11Z
• Authors: S. Treit; C. Lebel; L. Baugh; C. Rasmussen; G. Andrew; C. Beaulieu
• Keywords: Fetal alcohol; Brain Development; Prenatal Alcohol Exposure; Longitudinal Study

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of brain development in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) has revealed structural abnormalities, but studies have been limited by the use cross-sectional designs. Longitudinal scans can provide key insights into trajectories neurodevelopment within individuals with this common developmental disorder. Here we evaluate serial DTI and T1-weighted volumetric MRI a human sample 17 participants FASD 27 controls aged 5–15 years who underwent 2–3 each, ∼2–4 apart (92 total). Increases fractional anisotropy decreases mean diffusivity (MD) were observed between for both groups, keeping changes expected typical development, mixed-models analysis significant age-by-group interactions three major white matter tracts: superior longitudinal fasciculus inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus. These findings indicate altered progression these frontal-association tracts, group notably showing greater reduction MD scans. ΔMD is shown to correlate reading receptive vocabulary group, steeper correlating improvement language scores. Volumetric reduced total brain, white, cortical gray, deep gray volumes fewer age-related volume increases although not significant. indicates delayed during childhood adolescence FASD, which may underlie persistent or worsening behavioral cognitive deficits critical period.