ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the characteristics of cerebellar metabolites of autistic children using the magnetic resonance spectrum (MRS) and analyze their correlation with clinical symptoms.Methods:An autism group ( n=14) and a control group ( n=8) both underwent bilateral MRS scans of their cerebella. The NAA, Cho and Cr absolute values were recorded along with the NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios. Those values were correlated with clinical symptoms of autism (the CARS and ABC scales), as well as with age. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in cerebellar metabolite levels, but the autism group exhibited significantly higher Cho/Cr ratios in the right cerebellum than in the left. There was a significant positive correlation between the Cho/Cr ratio in the right cerebellum and CARS scores, and between the NAA/Cr ratio in the right cerebellum and age.Conclusions:There is metabolic abnormality in the left and right cerebellar hemispheres of autistic children. The metabolic abnormality is related to the severity of clinical symptoms. However, metabolism in the cerebellum improves gradually with age.