Corpus callosum differences associated with persistent stuttering in adults

Recent studies have implicated anatomical differences in speech-relevant brain regions of adults who stutter (AWS) compared to normally fluent adults (NFA). The present study focused on the region of the corpus callosum (CC) which is involved in interhemispheric processing between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Two-dimensional segmentation of area and voxel-based morphometry were used to evaluate the corpus callosum. Results revealed that the rostrum and anterior midbody of the CC were larger in AWS than NFA. In addition, the overall callosa area was larger in AWS than NFA. The group comparison of white matter volume showed a cluster of increased white matter volume predominantly encompassing the rostrum across the midline portion in AWS. These results potentially reflect anatomical changes associated with differences in the hemispheric distribution of language processes that have been reported previously in AWS.Learning outcomes: After reading this article, the reader will be able to: (1) summarize research findings on functional and anatomical differences between AWS and NFA; (2) summarize research findings on anatomical anomalies observed in AWS; (3) discuss the possible relationships between functional and anatomical aberrations in AWS; and (4) discuss how the findings of the present study may support results of previous behavioral investigations (e.g. dichotic listening) in AWS.

► The rostrum and anterior midbody of the corpus callosum was larger in adults who stutter than normally fluent adults.
► The overall callosa area was larger in adults who stutter than normally fluent adults.
► The group comparison of white matter volume showed a cluster of increased white matter volume predominantly encompassing the rostrum across the midline portion in adults who stutter.