• Han Yan, Lior M Elkaim, Venetucci GouveiaFlaviaF5Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto., Joelene F Huber, Jurgen Germann, Aaron Loh, Juan Carlos Benedetti-Isaac, Paresh K Doshi, Cristina V Torres, David J Segar, Gavin J B Elias, Alexandre Boutet, G Rees Cosgrove, Alfonso Fasano, Andres M Lozano, Abhaya V Kulkarni, and George M Ibrahim.
• 1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto.
• J. Neurosurg. 2022 Sep 1; 137 (3): 699708699-708.

ObjectiveIndividuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may display extreme behaviors such as self-injury or aggression that often become refractory to psychopharmacology or behavioral intervention. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical alternative that modulates brain circuits that have yet to be clearly elucidated. In the current study the authors performed a connectomic analysis to identify brain circuitry engaged by DBS for extreme behaviors associated with ASD.MethodsA systematic review was performed to identify prior reports of DBS as a treatment for extreme behaviors in patients with ASD. Individual patients' perioperative imaging was collected from corresponding authors. DBS electrode localization and volume of tissue activated modeling were performed. Volumes of tissue activated were used as seed points in high-resolution normative functional and structural imaging templates. The resulting individual functional and structural connectivity maps were pooled to identify networks and pathways that are commonly engaged by all targets.ResultsNine patients with ASD who were receiving DBS for symptoms of aggression or self-injurious behavior were identified. All patients had some clinical improvement with DBS. Connectomic analysis of 8 patients (from the systematic review and unpublished clinical data) demonstrated a common anatomical area of shared circuitry within the anterior limb of the internal capsule. Functional analysis of 4 patients identified a common network of distant brain areas including the amygdala, insula, and anterior cingulate engaged by DBS.ConclusionsThis study presents a comprehensive synopsis of the evidence for DBS in the treatment of extreme behaviors associated with ASD. Using network mapping, the authors identified key circuitry common to DBS targets.

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