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Schizophrenic and manic brains in Nigerians. Computerised tomography findings
J U Ohaeri1, A O Adeyinka, S N Enyidah
1Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Summary
Nigerian psychiatric patients, including those with schizophrenia, show distinct brain abnormality profiles on computerized tomography (CT) scans compared to controls. These brain structure differences were not linked to illness duration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Brain structure variations in psychiatric disorders are increasingly recognized.
- Limited neuroimaging data exists for African populations, particularly Nigerians.
- Computerized tomography (CT) can reveal brain structural abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile brain CT measures in Nigerian psychiatric patients.
- To compare these measures with findings from developed countries.
- To investigate correlations between CT measures and clinical variables.
Main Methods:
- Compared seven brain ventricle measures using CT scans.
- Included 50 schizophrenic patients, 14 manic patients, and 41 healthy controls.
- Analyzed Sylvian fissure area and third ventricle size.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited a significantly larger mean Sylvian fissure area.
- Schizophrenic patients had a significantly larger third ventricle compared to controls.
- No significant correlation was found between CT measures and illness duration.
Conclusions:
- Psychotic states may be associated with non-specific brain abnormalities.
- Findings suggest potential neurobiological underpinnings in Nigerian psychiatric patients.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific nature of these brain abnormalities.