Functional magnetic resonance imaging outcomes from a comprehensive magnetic resonance study of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Susan J. Astley, Elizabeth H. Aylward, Heather Carmichael Olson, Kimberly Kerns, Allison Brooks, Truman E. Coggins, Julian Davies, Susan Dorn, Beth Gendler, Tracy Jirikowic, Paul Kraegel, Kenneth Maravilla, Todd Richards

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

A comprehensive neuropsychological/psychiatric, MR imaging, (MRI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), and functional MRI (fMRI) assessment was administered to children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) to determine if global and/or focal abnormalities could be identified, and distinguish diagnostic subclassifications across the spectrum. The four study groups included: 1. FAS/Partial FAS; 2. Static Encephalopathy/Alcohol Exposed (SE/AE); 3. Neurobehavioral Disorder/Alcohol Exposed (ND/AE); and 4. healthy peers with no prenatal alcohol exposure. fMRI outcomes are reported here. The neuropsychological/psychiatric, MRI, and MRS outcomes are reported separately. fMRI was used to assess activation in seven brain regions during performance of N-back working memory tasks. Children across the full spectrum of FASD exhibited significant working memory deficits and altered activation patterns in brain regions that are known to be involved in working memory. These results demonstrate the potential research and diagnostic value of this noninvasive MR tool in the field of FASD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)61-80
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Volume1
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • FASD 4-Digit Diagnostic Code
  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
  • N-back
  • Working memory

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

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