Imaging derived cortical thickness reduction in high-functioning autism: key regions and temporal slope.

Cortical thickness (CT) changes possibly contribute to the complex symptomatology of autism. The aberrant developmental trajectories underlying such differences in certain brain regions and their continuation in adulthood are a matter of intense debate. We studied 28 adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) and 28 control subjects matched for age, gender, IQ and handedness.

Corpus callosum size in adults with high-functioning autism and the relevance of gender.

The goal of the study was to investigate the size of the corpus callosum (CC) and its subsegments in relation to total brain volume (TBV) as an empirical indicator of impaired connectivity in autism with special respect to gender. In MRI data sets of 29 adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) and 29 age-, gender- and IQ-matched control subjects, the TBV was measured and the CC was analyzed as a whole and in subsegments employing two different manual segmentation procedures. With respect to diagnosis, there were no significant differences in the dependent variables (CC, CC subsegments, and TBV).

Investigation of mentalizing and visuospatial perspective taking for self and other in Asperger syndrome.

Mentalizing refers to making inferences about other people's mental states, whereas visuospatial perspective taking refers to inferring other people's viewpoints. Both abilities seem vital for social functioning; yet, their exact relationship is unclear. We directly compared mentalizing and visuospatial perspective taking in nineteen adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) and fifteen control participants with the same stimulus material.

Novel KRIT1 mutation and no molecular evidence of anticipation in a family with cerebral and spinal cavernous malformations.

Background: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are vascular brain anomalies which can result in a variety of neurological symptoms. Familial CCM is inherited as an autosomal-dominant trait. There is one study in the literature which reports statistical evidence for anticipation in familial CCM.

Early ischemic edema on cerebral computed tomography: its relation to diffusion changes and hypoperfusion within 6 h after human ischemic stroke. A comparison of CT, MRI and PET.

Background: Brain tissue hypoattenuation on early computed tomography is frequently included in decision making in acute stroke management. However, its pathophysiological counterpart needs further evaluation.

Methods: By comparative imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging and 15O-water positron emission tomography we aimed to interpret early (<6 h) hypoattenuation.