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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Alterations of cerebral white matter structure in psychosis and their clinical correlations: a systematic review of
Serena Parnanzone1, Dario Serrone1, Maria Cristina Rossetti1
1Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Italy.
Abstract:
Schizophrenia is a common, severe and chronically disabling mental illness. Most of MRI studies in schizophrenia suggest the involvement of white matter (WM) pathology in multiple cerebral regions in the neurobiology of this condition. White matter fiber tracts connecting numerous cortical regions have been the focus of a number of studies using a magnetic resonance technique called “Diffusion Tensor Imaging” (DTI). A literature search of published DTI studies was conducted using the major database National Centre for Biotechnology information (NCBI) PubMed (MEDLINE). Our review covers 95 published papers. We summarise the main DTI findings involving the different brain regions in patients affected by or at high-risk for psychosis; we discuss clinical implications of these white matter disruptions and the limitations of current studies, listing the potential confounds and suggesting potential future research directions.
Insights
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) studies reveal white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia. These findings highlight potential neurobiological underpinnings and guide future research directions for this disabling mental illness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness with significant disability.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies suggest white matter (WM) pathology is implicated in schizophrenia's neurobiology.
- White matter fiber tracts are crucial for cortical connectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize findings from Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) studies on white matter in schizophrenia.
- To discuss the clinical implications of observed white matter disruptions.
- To identify limitations and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search of published DTI studies.
- Utilized the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) PubMed (MEDLINE) database.
- Reviewed 95 published papers.
Main Results:
- Summarized DTI findings related to white matter in various brain regions of patients with schizophrenia or at high risk for psychosis.
- Identified disruptions in white matter fiber tracts.
Conclusions:
- White matter pathology is a significant feature in the neurobiology of schizophrenia.
- DTI provides valuable insights into brain connectivity in schizophrenia.
- Further research is needed to address limitations and confounds in current DTI studies.
