Corpus callosum area and brain volume in autism spectrum disorder: quantitative analysis of structural MRI from the ABIDE database

J Autism Dev Disord. 2015 Oct;45(10):3107-14. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2468-8.

Abstract

Reduced corpus callosum area and increased brain volume are two commonly reported findings in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigated these two correlates in ASD and healthy controls using T1-weighted MRI scans from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE). Automated methods were used to segment the corpus callosum and intracranial region. No difference in the corpus callosum area was found between ASD participants and healthy controls (ASD 598.53 ± 109 mm(2); control 596.82 ± 102 mm(2); p = 0.76). The ASD participants had increased intracranial volume (ASD 1,508,596 ± 170,505 mm(3); control 1,482,732 ± 150,873.5 mm(3); p = 0.042). No evidence was found for overall ASD differences in the corpus callosum subregions.

Keywords: Brain morphology; Neuroimaging; Volumetrics; White matter.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / pathology*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / physiopathology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Corpus Callosum / anatomy & histology*
  • Corpus Callosum / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Organ Size
  • Young Adult