Title
Brain structure changes visualized in early- and late-onset blind subjects.
Abstract
We examined 3D patterns of volume differences in the brain associated with blindness, in subjects grouped according to early and late onset. Using tensor-based morphometry, we mapped volume reductions and gains in 16 early-onset (EB) and 16 late-onset (LB) blind adults (onset <5 and >14 years old, respectively) relative to 16 matched sighted controls. Each subject's structural MRI was fluidly registered to a common template. Anatomical differences between groups were mapped based on statistical analysis of the resulting deformation fields revealing profound deficits in primary and secondary visual cortices for both blind groups. Regions outside the occipital lobe showed significant hypertrophy, suggesting widespread compensatory adaptations. EBs but not LBs showed deficits in the splenium and the isthmus. Gains in the non-occipital white matter were more widespread in the EBs. These differences may reflect regional alterations in late neurodevelopmental processes, such as myelination, that continue into adulthood.
Year
DOI
Venue
2010
10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.07.048
NeuroImage
Keywords
Field
DocType
Blindness,Brain imaging,Corpus callosum,MRI,Plasticity,Tensor-based morphometry
Brain mapping,Developmental psychology,Anatomy,White matter,Age of onset,Psychology,Young adult,Neuroimaging,Corpus callosum,Occipital lobe,Splenium
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
49
1
1053-8119
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
5
0.47
11
Authors
12
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Natasha Leporé112211.23
Patrice Voss2293.12
F Lepore310311.21
Yi-Yu Chou429022.25
Madeleine Fortin5131.22
Frédéric Gougoux650.47
Agatha D Lee729623.02
caroline brun822223.32
Maryse Lassonde9273.25
Sarah Madsen1013113.50
Arthur W Toga1179155.66
Paul Thompson1212713.46