Quantitative analysis of autism spectrum disorder using multimodal MRI

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15851
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: Juntendo University
• Principal Investigator: Irie Ryusuke 順天堂大学, 医学部, 助教 (30750210)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Autism / Diffusion MRI / Diffusion tensor imaging / Brain microstructure / Neuronal loss / Neuroinflammation

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We obtained MRI data from 42 adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 42 typically developing subjects at our own institution. We generated the parameters of the neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to evaluate the white matter and gray matter microstructure in adult ASD. As a result, we detected lower neurite density index (NDI) and higher isotropic volume fraction (ISOVF) in the ASD than in the typical developments. These results suggest that reduced neuronal density in the white and gray matter in ASD and changes in extracellular free water related to chronic neuroinflammation may be the underlying pathology of ASD and indicate the usefulness of the NODDI index as a diagnostic biomarker for ASD.

Free Research Field

神経放射線学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の学術的意義は、マルチモーダルな神経微細構造評価を可能にするNODDIを用いてASDの神経基盤を示唆するパラメータ変化を多角的に捉え、ASDの新たな臨床的バイオマーカーを開発した点にある。特に、ASDに特有の神経変性や慢性神経炎症の客観的評価を可能にし、ASDと他の類縁疾患との鑑別に寄与する可能性がある。ASDの早期診断と適切な治療を促進することで患者とその家族の生活の質を向上させ、医療資源の効率的な利用の促進にも波及するが期待される。