Xiaoxia Liu MMed, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Fanxing Meng MMed, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bing Yu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Na Liu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Qiyong Guo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the potential relationship between attention impairment and fractional anisotropy in white matter (WM) of children with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT) and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI).

IVA-CPT and DTI data were obtained from 65 right-handed children, including 31 CFS children (M/F, 17:14; age, 10.0±1.5 y) and 34 age-matched healthy controls (M/F, 19:15; age, 10.2 ±1.3 y). All participants were assessed with the integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT). Auditory response control quotients (ARCQ), auditory attention quotients (AAQ), visual response control quotients (VRCQ), visual attention quotients (VAQ), full scale response control quotients (FRCQ) and full scale attention quotients (FAQ) were recorded. DTI scans were performed on a 3.0-T MR scanner and post-processed using FSL software. Comparisons of  IVA-CPT data between groups were performed using the student t test. Voxelwise statistical analysis of the FA data was carried out using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics(TBSS) .

The FAQ, VRCQ and VAQ of children with CFS were significantly lower than that of children in the control group. Children with CFS also had lower FA in WM fiber tracts of bilateral posterior limb of internal capsule (PIC) and left optic radiation (OR) than that of controls.

CFS Children exhibit  visual attention deficits.Our findings suggest that white matter fiber tracts of bilateral PIC and left OR abnormalities are likely to be involved in the onset and progression of visual attention impairment in children with CFS.

White matter fiber tracts of  bilateral PIC and left OR abnormalities are likely to be involved in the onset and progression of visual attention impairment in children with CFS.

Liu, X, Meng, F, Yu, B, Liu, N, Guo, Q, Aberrant Fractional Anisotropy in White Matter and its Relationship with Visual Attention Impairment in Children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A DTI Study Using Tract-based Spatial Statistics.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14006859.html