A study of brain single-photon emission computed tomography in a sample of Egyptian autistic male versus female children: cross sectional (comparative study)

Abstract

Background Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects boys more commonly than girls, with a range of heterogeneous presentations of clinical picture. There are several theories to explain these differences. These theories involve both genetic factors and phenotypic differences in how each sex manifests symptoms. Aim This study aimed to examine and compare the functional neuroanatomical changes and differences between male and female children with autism using brain single-photon emission computed tomography. Participants and methods Thirty children with autism spectrum disorder (10 girls and 20 boys) were assessed through brain imaging using 99mTc hexamethyl propylene amine oxime. The findings of males were compared with the findings of females using an independent Student’s t-test. Results The frontal lobe was the most common area affected in both groups and showed high significant hypoperfusion, but the second common affected area differed; in males, it was the basal ganglia but in females it was the cerebellum. Conclusion Functional techniques used in the assessment of this neurodevelopmental disorder are useful in explaining the difference in the presentations of autistic disorders among both males and females. Moreover, these findings may be helpful in the future for the management of these disorders.