Association of Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome With Microstructural Differences in Brain Regions Detected via Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Zheng J, Frankovich J, McKenna ES, et al. Association of Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome With Microstructural Differences in Brain Regions Detected via Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(5):e204063. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4063

In this case-control study of 34 consecutive patients with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome who had 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, all assessed brain regions, particularly the deep gray matter (eg, the thalamus, basal ganglia, and amygdala), had statistically significantly increased mean diffusivity compared with 64 control participants. These diffusion abnormalities are consistent with the cardinal clinical symptoms of these patients, including obsessions, compulsions, emotional dysregulation, and sleep disturbances.

Meaning  Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may offer valuable quantitative information to assist with the diagnostic workup of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.