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.