Aberrant fronto-limbic network in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a multimodal MRI study using parallel ICA.

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions in children and adolescents, characterized as inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive. Numerous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have revealed atypical brain function and structure in ADHD, and multimodal MRI studies contribute to a better understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of ADHD.

METHODS

The demographic and clinical information and the structural and functional MRI scans used in this study were all obtained from the New York University Child Study Center site of the ADHD-200 database. Forty-eight typically developing children (TDC) and 87 boys with ADHD were included. Parallel independent component analysis (pICA) was performed to the fusion of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and gray matter volume (GMV). RESULT: We found two correlated component pairs, containing the anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and amygdala. Based on the spatial patterns of both functional and structural components, both IC pairs were classified as representing the fronto-limbic network. One component pair showed significant group differences in loading coefficients between the ADHD and TDC groups. However, no correlations between structural or functional alterations and symptom or cognitive function were observed.

CONCLUSION

Using parallel ICA, we identified two correlated IC pairs involving regions of the fronto-limbic network across all participants, suggesting structure-function coupling within this network during adolescence. One of these IC pairs showed significant group differences in loading coefficients between ADHD and TDC participants, indicating a partial disruption of fronto-limbic structure-function integration in the ADHD group. Future studies should examine the link between these alterations and specific symptom dimensions.