Differential cerebral and neuropsychological consequences in dizygotic twins with prenatal alcohol exposure

Alcohol Alcohol. 2004 Jul-Aug;39(4):321-4. doi: 10.1093/alcalc/agh060.

Abstract

Aim: To relate structural and functional findings in one adolescent dizygotic twin pair with prenatal alcohol exposure.

Method: Neuropsychological and volumetric magnetic resonance studies were carried out on a 13-year-old preterm dizygotic twin pair with prenatal alcohol exposure.

Results: Neuropsychological and brain structural findings differed between the twins. The child with the more affected phenotype had large-scale cognitive deficits and presented significant atrophy in several brain structures. Both subjects had white matter volume reductions relative to the whole cerebral volume.

Conclusion: The neuropsychological and neuroimaging data reflect long-term consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Cognition Disorders / pathology*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / pathology
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / psychology
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
  • Twins, Dizygotic / psychology*