Structural abnormalities in the dyslexic brain: a meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies

Hum Brain Mapp. 2013 Nov;34(11):3055-65. doi: 10.1002/hbm.22127. Epub 2012 Jun 19.

Abstract

We used coordinate-based meta-analysis in order to objectively quantify gray matter abnormalities reported in nine Voxel-Based Morphometry studies of developmental dyslexia. Consistently across studies, reduced gray matter volume in dyslexic readers was found in the right superior temporal gyrus and left superior temporal sulcus. These results were related to findings from previous meta-analyses on functional brain abnormalities in dyslexic readers. Convergence of gray matter reduction and reading-related underactivation was found for the left superior temporal sulcus. Recent studies point to the presence of both functional and structural abnormalities in left temporal and occipito-temporal brain regions before reading onset.

Keywords: cerebral cortex; dyslexia; magnetic resonance imaging; meta-analysis; reading.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Dyslexia / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Stereotaxic Techniques
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology