Autism, Extra-axial Fluid
Conditions
Keywords
transcranial ultrasound, autism, cortical dysplasia, extra-axial fluid
Brief summary
This study will use linear 2D ultrasound imaging to look at the brain of individuals diagnosed with autism and their siblings. This is called transcranial ultrasound (TUS). It is hypothesized that TUS will allow real-time imaging of the fluid spaces outside the brain and will further allow the imagining of brain areas important to language and social function.
Detailed description
TUS will be evaluated as a simple and low cost screening technique to evaluate the presence of increased extra-axial fluid (EAF)or(subarachnoid cerebral spinal fluid). A recent study (Shen et al. 2013) demonstrated increased EAF was predictive of risk of autism. We believe TUS is capable or rapid, safe, low cost, non-invasive measurement of EAF spaces. Where prior imaging, ie., MRI or CT exist they will be used as comparisons. Both individuals with autism and their siblings will be screened to create a database and standard for TUS measurements. It is further believed that TUS may be able to detect areas of cortical abnormalities called dysplasias. The procedure requires no sedation and only takes a few minutes to perform. If validated, this would make TUS an ideal screening test for autism risk and allow for early referral and more definitive imaging with MRI where necessary.
Interventions
DEVICETUS transcranial 2D ultrasound
Sponsors
Brain Treatment Center
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Months to 21 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Confirmed diagnosis of autism or the sibling thereof and willingness of a parent to consent and where applicable for the individual to assent or consent depending on age. \-
Exclusion criteria
Siblings must have no obvious health issues or developmental abnormalities. \-
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-axial fluid as measured at the gyral summit. | This study will collect data for up to 3 years to determine the accuracy of the predictive assessments for autism risk | TUS is performed with linear 2D acoustical outputs in the 10-5MHz range. These are typical for TUS investigations with doppler and the only difference is the linear output of the probe. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed