Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a preliminary diffusion tensor imaging study.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to explore whether there are white matter (WM) abnormalities in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using diffusion tensor imaging. Based upon the literature, we predicted decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) findings in the frontal and cerebellar regions.


METHODS
Eighteen patients with ADHD and 15 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers received DTI assessments. Fractional anisotropy maps of WM were compared between groups with a voxelwise analysis after intersubject registration to Talairach space.


RESULTS
Children with ADHD had decreased FA in areas that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of ADHD: right premotor, right striatal, right cerebral peduncle, left middle cerebellar peduncle, left cerebellum, and left parieto-occipital areas.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary data support the hypothesis that alterations in brain WM integrity in frontal and cerebellar regions occur in ADHD. The pattern of decreased FA might implicate the corticopontocerebellar circuit in the pathophysiology of ADHD.
Ashtari
Manzar
M
Departments of Radiology, North Shore Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA. ashtari@lij.edu
Kumra
Sanjiv
S
Bhaskar
Shree L
SL
Clarke
Tana
T
Thaden
Emily
E
Cervellione
Kelly L
KL
Rhinewine
Joseph
J
Kane
John M
JM
Adesman
Andrew
A
Milanaik
Ruth
R
Maytal
Joseph
J
Diamond
Alan
A
Szeszko
Philip
P
Ardekani
Babak A
BA
D016880:Anisotropy; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000473:pathology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male