@phdthesis{Schaeff2021,
  author    = {Schaeff, Sulamith},
  title     = {Correlates of Substantia Nigra Echogenicity in Healthy Children},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-23074},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230747},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Objective: Substantia nigra hyperechogenicity is found in children with attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research with transcranial sonography (TCS) in adults suggests that echogenic alterations are linked to subclinical behavioral deficits and that brain iron homeostasis is involved in the signal genesis. The purpose of this study was to explore substantia nigra echogenicity in healthy children, to assess age-related changes and to investigate whether echogenic signals relate to subclinical alterations in behavior. Furthermore, associations of central nigral neuromelanin measures and peripheral serum iron parameters to echogenic signals of the substantia nigra were evaluated. Methods: In a multimodal study design, neuroimaging of the substantia nigra was conducted with TCS and neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 28 healthy children (8 - 12 years). Correlations and multiple regression analyses determined associations between the neuroimaging methods, behavioral data from Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and serum iron-related parameters. Results: Substantia nigra echogenicity correlated inversely with hyperactivity ratings in healthy, non-ADHD children (r = -.602, p = .001). Echogenic sizes did not change as a function of age. Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI measures of the substantia nigra and peripheral serum iron parameters were not associated with nigral TCS signals. Conclusion: In healthy children behavioral differences in hyperactive tendencies are associated with differences in substantia nigra echogenicity. This could help to identify those children who are at risk of subclinical ADHD.},
  subject      = {Substantia nigra},
  language  = {en}
}