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Published on: August 14, 2019
Volumetry and diffusion tensor imaging of hippocampal subregions in schizophrenia
Peter Kalus1, Caroline Buri, Johannes Slotboom
1Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland. Peter.Kalus@insel.ch
Abstract:
Previous MRI-volumetric studies in schizophrenic psychoses have demonstrated more or less pronounced volume reductions of the hippocampus in patients. Correspondingly, neuropathological examinations on the brains of schizophrenics showed diverse structural changes of the hippocampus. Employing a high-resolution 3D-MPRAGE sequence, we found volume reductions in most hippocampal subregions of schizophrenic patients, which, however, did not reach significant levels. An analysis of co-registered diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data revealed significant alterations of the inter-voxel coherences in single hippocampal subdivisions of these patients, supporting the assumption of characteristic microstructural tissue changes relevant for the pathogenesis of schizophrenic psychoses. Our results argue for the usage of additional MRI modalities like DTI in order to detect subtle regional alterations of hippocampal structure in schizophrenics.
Insights
Schizophrenia patients show subtle hippocampal volume reductions. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed significant microstructural changes in the hippocampus, suggesting its importance in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous MRI studies indicate hippocampal volume reductions in schizophrenia.
- Neuropathological studies also show structural hippocampal changes in patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hippocampal volume and microstructural integrity in schizophrenia using advanced MRI.
- To determine if diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can detect subtle hippocampal alterations.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution 3D-MPRAGE MRI sequence for volumetric analysis.
- Co-registered diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for microstructural assessment.
- Analysis of hippocampal subregions in schizophrenia patients compared to controls.
Main Results:
- Non-significant hippocampal volume reductions observed in most subregions.
- Significant alterations in inter-voxel coherences detected by DTI in hippocampal subdivisions.
- DTI data supports characteristic microstructural tissue changes in schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- Subtle microstructural changes in the hippocampus are present in schizophrenia.
- DTI is a valuable tool for detecting subtle hippocampal alterations in schizophrenia.
- These findings contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
