Increased rate of amygdala growth in 2-3 year olds with autism: A longitdinal study

2012

Context Precocious amygdala enlargement is commonly observed in young children with autism. However, the age at which abnormal amygdala enlargement begins and the relative growth trajectories of the amygdala and total brain remain unclear. Objective To determine whether the rate of amygdala growth is abnormal and disproportionate to total brain growth in very young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Design Longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging study. Setting Neuroimaging and diagnostic assessments were performed at an academic medical center. Participants were recruited from the community. Participants Baseline scans were acquired in 132 boys (85 with ASD and 47 control subjects with typical development [TD]; mean age, 37 months). Longitudinal magnetic resonance images were acquired in 70 participants (45 with ASD and 25 TD controls) 1 year later. Main Outcome Measure Amygdala volumes and total cerebral volumes (TCVs) were evaluated at both time poi

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

Professionals, Students

http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?volume=69&issue=1&page=53

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