Abstract #0496

Voxel Based Analysis of Diffusion Indices and Deformation Based Volumetric Alterations in Late Childhood and Adolescence

Siamak Ardekani¹, Firouzeh Tannazi², Alena Horska²

¹Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; ²The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

Changes in white matter microstructure and brain tissue volume during late childhood and early adolescence were studied using voxel-based analysis of diffusion parameters and deformation-based volumetric measures, utilizing a non-linear registration algorithm. Fifteen healthy children were examined longitudinally, at baseline and a 15 month follow-up. Statistical analyses revealed significant ADC decrease and FA increase, and axial and radial diffusivity decline in several regions (internal and external capsule, forceps minor, and corona radiata). A trend to increased tissue volume was also detected in several regions. These results suggest continuation of regional brain maturation and increase in fiber density during late childhood.