Structural, Functional, and Molecular Imaging of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Xiaoyi Li1,2,6 • Kai Zhang4 • Xiao He1,2,6 • Jinyun Zhou1,2,6 • Chentao Jin1,2,6 • Lesang Shen5 • Yuanxue Gao1,2,6 • Mei Tian1,2,6 • Hong Zhang1,2,3,6,7
1 Department of Nuclear Medicine and Medical PET Center, The Second Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
2 Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
3 Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
4 Laboratory for Pathophysiological and Health Science, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
5 Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
6 Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
7 The College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder associated with both genetic and environmental risks. Neuroimaging approaches have been widely employed to parse the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying ASD, and provide critical insights into the anatomical, functional, and neurochemical changes. We reviewed recent advances in neuroimaging studies that focused on ASD by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or single-positron emission tomography (SPECT). Longitudinal structural MRI has delineated an abnormal developmental trajectory of ASD that is associated with cascading neurobiological processes, and functional MRI has pointed to disrupted functional neural networks. Meanwhile, PET and SPECT imaging have revealed that metabolic and neurotransmitter abnormalities may contribute to shaping the aberrant neural circuits of ASD. Future large-scale, multi-center, multimodal investigations are essential to elucidate the neurophysiological underpinnings of ASD, and facilitate the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers and better-targeted therapy.
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder; Positron emission tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Molecular imaging; Functional connectivity; Serotonin Oxytocin
