[A genetic analysis of the computed tomographic traits in schizophrenia]

The authors analyze clinical and CT evidence obtained on schizophrenic families (42 probands, 70 parents and 23 siblings) versus 162 healthy volunteers. Heritability coefficients were estimated for CT-parameters. Positive and negative psychopathological symptoms and CT-parameters seem to be correlated. It was established that such CT parameters as width of the frontal horn of the left lateral ventricle in the area of nucleus caudatus, width of the central compartment of the left lateral ventricle, width of the frontal horn of the right lateral ventricle in the area of nucleus caudatus, width of the central compartment of the right lateral ventricle may be regarded as markers of predisposition to schizophrenia. The results support the hypothesis on the role of genetic predisposition in the development of neuropathological changes in schizophrenic patients. This may be utilized in medico-genetic consulting and for formulation of the disease prognostic criteria.