Initial evaluation of relaxometry from Synthetic MRI in Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children with or without mental retardation

Motivation: To comprehend the brain microstructure of ASD patients, with or without Mental Retardation, and differentiate between them. Goal(s): This article aims to evaluate the differences of T1 and T2 relaxometry in disease related brain regions for children with ASD-MR , ASD group, and HC group, by using Synthetic MRI. Approach: MAGiC data were processed in SyMRI to create T1 and T2 relaxometry maps. Two pediatric radiologists outlined regions of interest on these maps using ITK-SNAP. Results: The T1 in left thalamus could be sensitive to reflect the microstructural change in patient groups and could be helpful indicator to differentiate the ASD and ASD-MR. Impact: T1 relaxometry derived from Synthetic MRI is potential for differentiation of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder with Mental retardation.