Developmental trajectory of the prefrontal cortex: a systematic review of diffusion tensor imaging studies

Abstract

Fluctuations in gray and white matter volumes in addition to the fibers' reorganization and refinement of synaptic connectivity apparently happen in a particular temporo-spatial sequence during the dynamic and prolonged process of cerebral maturation. These developmental events are associated with regional modifications of brain tissues and neural circuits, contributing to networks' specialization and enhanced cognitive processing. According to several studies, improvements in cognitive processes are possibly myelin-dependent and associated to white matter maturation. Of particular interest is the developmental pattern of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), more specifically the PFC white matter, due to its role in high-level executive processes such as attention, working memory and inhibitory control. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed and Embase databases to analyze the development of PFC white matter using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), a widely used non-invasive technique to assess white matter maturation. Both the research and reporting of results were based on Cochrane's recommendations and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Information extracted from 27 published studies revealed an increased myelination, organization and integrity of frontal white matter with age, as revealed by DTI indexes (fractional anisotropy [FA], mean diffusivity [MD], radial diffusivity [RD] and axial diffusivity [AD]). These patterns highlight the extended developmental course of the frontal structural connectivity, which parallels the improvements in higher-level cognitive functions observed between adolescence and early adulthood.

Associations Between Screen-Based Media Use and Brain White Matter Integrity in Preschool-Aged Children

“…Specifically, the organization and myelination of white matter tracts, which enhance the efficiency of signal conduction within and between these networks, are highly sensitive to environmental factors. 21,[24][25][26] Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a powerful means to quantify white matter integrity in the brain and its various factors. 27 Parameters of DTI include fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD), scalar values associated with microstructural organization (eg, bundling, packing), and myelination of white matter tracts.…”

Altered frontal white matter microstructure is associated with working memory impairments in adolescents with congenital heart disease: A diffusion tensor imaging study

“…thalamus) mature later in young adulthood. Moreover, adolescence is a crucial period for the maturation of white matter microstructure in the frontal cortex, which has been associated with improvements in higher order cognitive function, such as working memory (Sousa et al., 2018). Taken together with the known developmental increase in white matter FA throughout adolescence, our findings of FA reduction within frontal tracts in CHD adolescents and its association with working memory impairments, lead to the assumption that the maturation of the frontal cortex might be delayed in adolescents with CHD.…”

Understanding the Physiopathology Behind Axial and Radial Diffusivity Changes—What Do We Know?

“…It is believed that brain maturation is associated with augmented myelination, organization, and integrity of frontal white matter; this is confirmed by DTI indices, such as fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity (λ ┴ ), and axial diffusivity (λ ║ ). Therefore, DTI provides a tool to highlight patterns associated with the developmental time course of the frontal structural integrity, which correlates with the improvements in higher level cognitive functions taking place between adolescence and early adulthood ( 2 ). Interestingly, DTI studies reveal some consistent patterns in subjects exhibiting antisocial behavior.…”