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No difference in basal ganglia mineralization between schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic patients: a quantitative
M F Casanova1, C M Prasad, I Waldman
1Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD.
Biological Psychiatry
|January 15, 1990
Summary
Iron accumulation in the basal ganglia is not a reliable indicator for schizophrenia (SC). This study found similar rates of basal ganglia mineralization in SC patients and other psychiatric patients, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Iron's role in dopamine regulation and tyrosine hydroxylase function is implicated in schizophrenia.
- Postmortem studies suggest increased basal ganglia iron (mineralization) may correlate with schizophrenia.
- In vivo quantification of basal ganglia minerals in schizophrenia is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify in vivo mineral content in the basal ganglia of schizophrenia patients.
- To investigate the association between basal ganglia mineralization and schizophrenia.
- To compare mineral content in schizophrenia patients versus non-schizophrenia psychiatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Developed a protocol using a LOATS computer analysis system to analyze CT scans.
- Reviewed 725 consecutive CT scans (275 schizophrenia, 450 non-schizophrenia) from a psychiatric population.
- Assessed basal ganglia mineralization prevalence in schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
Main Results:
- Eighteen scans (2.3%) showed basal ganglia mineralization.
- Seven of these cases (2.5% of SC patients) had a schizophrenia diagnosis.
- Eleven cases (2.5% of non-SC patients) had other psychiatric disorders, including dementia in 8 patients.
Conclusions:
- Basal ganglia mineralization prevalence in schizophrenia patients is similar to that in the general population and other psychiatric disorders.
- In vivo basal ganglia iron levels do not appear to be a specific clinicopathological correlate for schizophrenia.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise role of iron in schizophrenia pathophysiology.