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Regional cerebral blood flow in schizophrenics. Tests using the xenon Xe 133 inhalation method
Archives of General Psychiatry
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Schizophrenia patients exhibit reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) in all brain regions, particularly in anterior gray matter. This study supports a bilateral anterior brain deficit hypothesis in schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder.
- Previous research suggests altered brain perfusion in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in gray and white matter between schizophrenic patients and healthy controls.
- To investigate intrahemispheric and bilateral CBF patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the xenon Xe 133 inhalation method for CBF measurements.
- Included 29 schizophrenic patients and 22 normal controls.
- Analyzed both intrahemispheric and interhemispheric regional CBF.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower CBF values were observed in all brain regions for the schizophrenic group.
- Schizophrenic patients showed greater reductions in anterior gray matter CBF.
- A generalized loss in anterior functioning, including left-hemisphere frontal areas, was noted.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a hypothesis of a bilateral anterior brain deficit in schizophrenia.
- Cerebral blood flow is globally reduced in schizophrenia, with specific anterior gray matter vulnerability.
- No interhemispheric differences in gray matter CBF were found, but white matter CBF was higher in the right hemisphere.