Abstract
Objective: To report Magnetic Resonance Brain imaging and Spectral EEG anomalies in Non-syndromic Autistic South Indian Tamilian Children
Background: Autism is a developmental disorder of hightened phenomenological and neurobological interest in modern times. While gross changes like Megalencephaly and focal hyperplasias of brain have been described, in economically deprived regions aetiological factors vary and brain imaging may offer clues. Spectral EEG changes are being explored for reliable biomarkers but inconsistency in reports are common.
Design/Methods: Children from child Guidance clinic of a quaternary referral institute full filling DSM IV Diagnostic criteria were recruited over 2 years. Using a Seamen 1.5 T MRI, brain imaging was done with FLAIR, FA 150 and T1 inversion recovery sequences. DNA was analysed for the genetic mutations of Exon 2, 3 and 4 of the MeCP2 gene and also for FMR mutations. Fast-fourier transformation spectral analysis of artefact free 10-second epochs of digital EEG (recorded as per IFSECN guidelines) done using MATLAB version 2013 and compared with age and gender matched normal control children.
Results: Of 58 ASD, Male: female= 3.8, Mean age at diagnosis 3.6. Mean CARS score 35.8. Hippocampal atrophy, inversion or altered signals in 29 (75%) out of 39 children, no macrocephaly or lobar hyperplasia. Imaging anomalies unassociated with severity of autism or comorbidities. No Fragile X (FMR) and MeCP2 gene mutations. No asymmetry noted between dominant and non-dominant lobes for any frequency band. Significant difference in the power spectrum was seen between autistic and control children for Alpha, Theta and Delta bands bilaterally with an intriguingly attenuated power for autistism. Significance as a potential biomarker pattern for autism needs exploration.
Conclusions: Brain imaging anomalies suggestive of developmental and perinatal insults were common in MeCP2 and FMR mutations negative South Indian Tamilian Autistic children. EEG spectral anomalies were unequivocal but their significance as biomarkers needs further exploration.
Disclosure: Dr. Narayan has nothing to disclose. Dr. JS has nothing to disclose. Dr. K has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mohammed has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kandasamy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Subramaniam has nothing to disclose.
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