O’Hare et al. applied surface-based image analytic methods to T1-weighted MRI series and correlated the findings with neuropsychological measures in PEA group and compared them with matched controls. The morphology of the cerebellar vermis was characterized and potential cognitive correlates of vermal morphology evaluated. In the PEA group, the anterior and superior edges of anterior vermis appeared to be displaced by 1-3mm in FAS individuals, while the FASD (non-dysmorphic subjects with PEA) showed less prominent displacement (1.4mm). Anterior vermal dysmorphology was negatively correlated with verbal learning and memory performance within the alcohol-exposed group. These observations localize the specific pattern of cerebellar vermal dysmorphology following PEA with selective involvement of the anterior vermis, an earlier developing cerebellar region, and with sparing of the later developing cerebellar regions 160.
