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Abstract #2960

Altered Brain Morphology in Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Compared to Healthy Age Matched Controls

Nathalie Doorenweerd1, 2, Chiara S.M. Straathof2, Eve M. Dumas2, Beatrijs H.A. Wokke2, Erik H. Niks2, Janneke C. van den Bergen2, Debby G.M. Schrans3, Jos G.M. Hendriksen3, Andrew G. Webb1, Mark A. van Buchem1, Jan J.G.M. Verschuuren2, Hermien E. Kan1

1Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands; 2Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands; 3Department of Neurological Learning Disabilities , Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Centre , Heeze, Brabant, Netherlands

Brain morphology in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was studied and compared to healthy age-matched controls. Widespread differences were found such as lower grey matter volume and higher white matter tissue water content in DMD. The global spread of the morphological differences may be related to the (lack of) dystrophin isoforms in the brain in DMD. These data may also provide clues to understanding the etiology of the higher incidence of learning and behavioral problems in DMD.

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