Neural alterations in ADHD children as indicated by voxel-based cortical thickness and morphometry analysis

Brain Dev. 2017 May;39(5):403-410. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2016.12.002. Epub 2017 Jan 2.

Abstract

Purpose: Neuroimaging studies provide vital information related to the neurobiology of ADHD, but there still exists a wide gap in relevant information. The present study aimed to elucidate the neuroanatomical alteration in Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children/adolescents.

Methods: Voxel-based cortical thickness (VBCT) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was performed to examine neuroanatomic distinctions in 18 children/adolescents aged 7.5-13years diagnosed with DSM-IV TR as ADHD (non-medicated). They were compared with 18 healthy matched controls.

Results: VBCT findings in ADHD children/adolescents revealed reduced cortical thickness in the left superior frontal, left orbito-frontal and left dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. VBM findings confirmed decreased gray matter volume in the left orbito frontal, left middle frontal/dorsolateral prefrontal, left middle temporal and left cerebellum in comparison to control group. A decrease in white matter volume was also observed in the left inferior frontal and left calcarine of ADHD children/adolescents.

Conclusion: Results reflect possible abnormal neuroanatomical development patterns in ADHD children.

Keywords: ADHD; Cortical thickness; Gray matter; Voxel based morphometry; White matter.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cerebral Cortex / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Gray Matter / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Statistics as Topic
  • White Matter / diagnostic imaging