Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic and Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Neurology, Psychiatric, Autism |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 6 - 17 |
| Updated: | 2/7/2015 |
| Start Date: | April 2010 |
| End Date: | April 2015 |
| Contact: | Stephannie Furtak, BA |
| Email: | sfurtak1@partners.org |
| Phone: | 617-724-2344 |
The primary objective of this study is to conduct magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) and
imaging (MRI) scans to assess the structural and neurochemical profile of the brain in 20
children and adolescents, 6-17 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For
comparison, MRS and MRI will also be obtained from 10 healthy control subjects, matched to
the 20 subjects with ASD in age, sex, dexterity, and IQ. All eligible subjects will be
administered a detailed assessment battery consisting of cognitive assessments
(neuropsychological battery including subsets of the DANVA2 and the CANTAB) and measures of
psychosocial functioning (SAICA and M-FES). The study includes 1-3 visits for the screening
period at Massachusetts General Hospital (approximately 4 hours of assessments) and one
scanning visit at McLean Hospital (approximately 1.5 hours).
The investigators hypothesize that youth with ASD versus controls will exhibit increased
glutamate concentrations, reflecting glutamatergic overactivity, and increased Cho
concentrations, suggesting neuronal abnormality. Furthermore, the investigators hypothesize
that compared to neurotypical controls, the structural integrity of white mater tracts will
be disrupted in ASD.
imaging (MRI) scans to assess the structural and neurochemical profile of the brain in 20
children and adolescents, 6-17 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For
comparison, MRS and MRI will also be obtained from 10 healthy control subjects, matched to
the 20 subjects with ASD in age, sex, dexterity, and IQ. All eligible subjects will be
administered a detailed assessment battery consisting of cognitive assessments
(neuropsychological battery including subsets of the DANVA2 and the CANTAB) and measures of
psychosocial functioning (SAICA and M-FES). The study includes 1-3 visits for the screening
period at Massachusetts General Hospital (approximately 4 hours of assessments) and one
scanning visit at McLean Hospital (approximately 1.5 hours).
The investigators hypothesize that youth with ASD versus controls will exhibit increased
glutamate concentrations, reflecting glutamatergic overactivity, and increased Cho
concentrations, suggesting neuronal abnormality. Furthermore, the investigators hypothesize
that compared to neurotypical controls, the structural integrity of white mater tracts will
be disrupted in ASD.
Inclusion Criteria
- Male or female participants between 6 and 17 years of age.
- Fulfills diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders by meeting DSM-IV-TR PDD diagnostic
criteria for autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or PDD-NOS as established by
clinical interview.
- Subjects and their legal representative must have a level of understanding sufficient
to communicate intelligently with the investigator and study coordinator, and to
cooperate with all tests and examinations required by the protocol.
- Subjects and their legal representative must be considered reliable reporters.
- Each subject and his/her authorized legal representative must understand the nature
of the study. The subject's authorized legal representative and the subject must sign
an IRB approved informed consent and assent document respectively.
- Participants with disruptive behavior disorders, mood and anxiety disorders will be
allowed to participate in the study provided they do not meet any exclusionary
criteria.
Exclusion Criteria
- IQ < 85.
- DSM-IV-TR PDD diagnoses of Rett's disorder, or childhood disintegrative disorder.
- Current diagnosis of a psychotic disorder or unstable bipolar disorder.
- History of recent or current (past 30 days) clinically significant depressive or
anxiety disorder that warrants treatment.
- History of substance use (except nicotine or caffeine) within past 3 months or urine
drug screen positive for substances of abuse.
- Clinically unstable psychiatric conditions or judged to be at serious safety risk to
self (suicidal risk) or others.
- Subjects with a medical condition or treatment that will either jeopardize subject
safety or affect the scientific merit of the study.
- Organic brain disorders.
- History of non-febrile seizures without a clear and resolved etiology in last 1
month.
- Pregnant or nursing females.
- Left hand dominant subjects.
- History of claustrophobia or fear of enclosed places.
- Presence of metal or surgical devices (aneurysm clips, metal plates, cochlear
implants, neurostimulators, braces, and other items).
- Investigator and his/her immediate family; defined as the investigator's spouse,
parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild.
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