title: Multimodal MRI reveals structural connectivity differences in 22q11 deletion syndrome related to impaired spatial working memory.
abstract: Impaired spatial working memory is a core cognitive deficit observed in people with 22q11 Deletion syndrome (22q11DS) and has been suggested as a candidate endophenotype for schizophrenia. However, to date, the neuroanatomical mechanisms describing its structural and functional underpinnings in 22q11DS remain unclear. We quantitatively investigate the cognitive processes and associated neuroanatomy of spatial working memory in people with 22q11DS compared to matched controls. We examine whether there are significant between-group differences in spatial working memory using task related fMRI, Voxel based morphometry and white matter fiber tractography.
  
  
  
  Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging employing functional, diffusion and volumetric techniques were used to quantitatively assess the cognitive and neuroanatomical features of spatial working memory processes in 22q11DS. Twenty-six participants with genetically confirmed 22q11DS aged between 9 and 52 years and 26 controls aged between 8 and 46 years, matched for age, gender, and handedness were recruited.
  
  
  
  People with 22q11DS have significant differences in spatial working memory functioning accompanied by a gray matter volume reduction in the right precuneus. Gray matter volume was significantly correlated with task performance scores in these areas. Tractography revealed extensive differences along fibers between task-related cortical activations with pronounced differences localized to interhemispheric commissural fibers within the parietal section of the corpus callosum.
  
  
  
  Abnormal spatial working memory in 22q11DS is associated with aberrant functional activity in conjunction with gray and white matter structural abnormalities. These anomalies in discrete brain regions may increase susceptibility to the development of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4689-4705, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Educational and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.|School of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors: Erik
authors: E
authors: O'Hanlon
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Educational and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Howley
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Educational and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Prasad
authors: School of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: McGrath
authors: Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Leemans
authors: Department of Psychiatry, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
authors: Colm
authors: C
authors: McDonald
authors: School of Psychology and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.|Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Vermont, USA.
authors: Hugh
authors: H
authors: Garavan
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Educational and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
authors: Kieran C
authors: KC
authors: Murphy
mesh_terms: D058165:22q11 Deletion Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D066128:Gray Matter / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D064847:Multimodal Imaging; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009929:Organ Size; D065852:Spatial Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology; D066127:White Matter / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: 22q11Deletion syndrome (22q11DS); diffusion weighted imaging (DWI); functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); spatial working memory; tractography; voxel based morphometry (VBM)