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MRI anatomy of schizophrenia
R W McCarley1, C G Wible, M Frumin
1Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, VA Medical Center, Brockton, Massachusetts 02401, USA.
Biological Psychiatry
|May 20, 1999
Summary
Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies reveal consistent brain abnormalities in schizophrenia, particularly enlarged ventricles and temporal lobe volume reductions. These findings support a developmental and potentially neurodegenerative model of this brain disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is increasingly understood as a brain disorder, extending beyond neurotransmission deficits.
- Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been pivotal in identifying brain alterations associated with schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review structural MRI findings in schizophrenia.
- To synthesize evidence from peer-reviewed studies published between 1987 and May 1998.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted for structural MRI studies of schizophrenia with control groups.
- 118 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed to identify consistent patterns of brain abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Lateral and third ventricle enlargement were frequently reported (77% and 67% of studies, respectively).
- Consistent volume reductions were observed in the temporal lobe, including the superior temporal gyrus and medial temporal lobe structures (hippocampus, amygdala).
- Abnormalities in the frontal lobe were less consistently found, possibly due to smaller volume changes.
Conclusions:
- Structural MRI data strongly support schizophrenia as a disorder involving significant brain structural abnormalities.
- Findings are consistent with both developmental and progressive neurodegenerative models, suggesting a "two-hit" hypothesis.
- Structural differences may distinguish schizophrenia from affective psychoses.