THE RESULTS OF A STUDY OF THE BRAIN IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS USING PROTON MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic significance of metabolites of N-acetyl aspartate, choline and creatine according to proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the brain in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Material and methods. Using routine MRI and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we examined  20 children with a diagnosis of «pervasive developmental disorders» (F 84) aged 1–10 years (average  age 5,05 years (SD 2,502); 13 boys; 7 girls). In 12 patients (from 17 children) aged 2 to 10 years, the average age was 5,75±0,827 years (Me 6.00 (3,00; 8,75); 8 boys; 4 girls) the «The Autism Treatment Evaluation Scale» and «Behavioral Assessment of Children» (version for patients with developmental disabilities) «The Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form».

Results. We found a significant decrease in the ratio of NAA/Cr (p<0,05) in the postcentral gyrus of the right hemisphere of the brain, in the inner capsule on the left and the hippocampus on the right. Increased Cho/NAA ratio (p<0,05) in the temporal lobes on both sides and the hippocampus on the right. Increased Cho/Cr ratio (p<0,05) in the inner capsule on both sides.

Conclusions. These data allow us to identify in patients with autism spectrum disorders some specific metabolic changes in the brain. Perhaps this is caused by damage to neurons.  

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