A VOLUMETRIC MRI STUDY OF GILLES-DE-LA-TOURETTES-SYNDROME

The neuroanatomic or neuropathologic basis of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome (GTS) remains unknown. Recent studies have suggested abnormal ities of cerebral asymmetry and basal ganglia volumes. We studied 17 p atients with GTS and eight normal controls using volumetric MRI techni ques for measuring the caudate nucleus, amygdala, and corpus callosum. One subject with GTS was subsequently excluded because he was left ha nded. No absolute differences in caudate nucleus volumes between patie nt and control groups were evident. There was an increase in corpus ca llosum (CC) cross-sectional area and a loss of the normal asymmetry of the caudate nucleus in tie patient group. A loss of the normal correl ation between cross-sectional area of the CC and whole brain index (WB I) in the patient group also was found. The amygdala measurements had a poor interrater reliability.