Reduced cortical folding in individuals at high risk for schizophrenia: a pilot study

While cortical gyrification anomalies have been reported in schizophrenia, it is unknown if individuals at high risk for schizophrenia (HR) might also exhibit abnormal cortical folding. Using MRI scans, the gyrification index (GI) was calculated for 9 adolescent HR males and 12 healthy male controls. Using the first coronal slice anterior to the corpus callosum, cortical contours were manually traced to calculate the GI. The left GI was lower in HR when compared to controls, but no difference in the right GI was observed. These results are consistent with studies of affected individuals, supporting genetic and neurodevelopmental models of schizophrenia.