Transcranial Ultrasonography Using Linear 2D Imaging of the Brain

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study will use linear 2D ultrasound imaging to look at the brain of individuals diagnosed with autism and their siblings. This is called transcranial ultrasound (TUS). It is hypothesized that TUS will allow real-time imaging of the fluid spaces outside the brain and will further allow the imagining of brain areas important to language and social function.

Detailed Description
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TUS will be evaluated as a simple and low cost screening technique to evaluate the presence of increased extra-axial fluid (EAF)or(subarachnoid cerebral spinal fluid). A recent study (Shen et al. 2013) demonstrated increased EAF was predictive of risk of autism. We believe TUS is capable or rapid, safe, low cost, non-invasive measurement of EAF spaces. Where prior imaging, ie., MRI or CT exist they will be used as comparisons. Both individuals with autism and their siblings will be screened to create a database and standard for TUS measurements. It is further believed that TUS may be able to detect areas of cortical abnormalities called dysplasias. The procedure requires no sedation and only takes a few minutes to perform. If validated, this would make TUS an ideal screening test for autism risk and allow for early referral and more definitive imaging with MRI where necessary.

Official Title
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Transcranial Ultrasonography Using Linear 2D Imaging of the Brain and Surrounding Tissues

Conditions
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Autism, Extra-axial Fluid

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: TUS transcranial 2D ultrasound


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Confirmed diagnosis of autism or the sibling thereof and willingness of a parent to consent and where applicable for the individual to assent or consent depending on age. - Exclusion Criteria: Siblings must have no obvious health issues or developmental abnormalities. -

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 6 Months
Maximum Age: 21 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Individuals with autism<br>Both individuals with autism and their siblings will be evaluated with (TUS)transcranial 2D ultrasound. | Device: TUS transcranial 2D ultrasound<br> <br> |
| Siblings of individuals with autism<br>Non-autistic siblings with no other obvious health issues will be screened | Device: TUS transcranial 2D ultrasound<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extra-axial fluid as measured at the gyral summit. | TUS is performed with linear 2D acoustical outputs in the 10-5MHz range. These are typical for TUS investigations with doppler and the only difference is the linear output of the probe. | This study will collect data for up to 3 years to determine the accuracy of the predictive assessments for autism risk | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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transcranial ultrasound, autism, cortical dysplasia, extra-axial fluid