MRI-Based Volume Measurements Demonstrate Increased Skull Eccentricity and Temporalis Muscle Hypertrophy in DMD Patients Compared with Healthy Age Matched Controls

Nathalie Doorenweerd¹, ², Chiara S.M. Straathof³, Erik Niks³, Andrew Webb¹, Mark A. van Buchem¹, Jan J.G.M. Verschuuren³, Hermien E. Kan¹

Brain and skull morphology were studied in DMD boys and healthy age matched controls using T1w images, and tape-measured head circumference. MRI results showed a significant increase in eccentricity and temporalis muscle hypertrophy in DMD compared with controls, whereas tape-measured head circumference did not differ between groups. In addition, a trend was found in decreased skull circumference in DMD. Further investigation of these findings is needed to determine their effect on skull circumference measurements at young age, their use in explaining dental or feeding problems or how they could even aid clinical screening for the diagnosis of DMD.