In the diagnosis of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of qualitative assessment using conventional magnetic resonance imaging are low, mainly in mild or bilateral atrophy. Quantitative analysis may improve this performance. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of quantitative analysis using the hippocampal volumetric index (HVI) and hippocampal asymmetry index (HAI) compared with qualitative assessment in the MTS diagnosis. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with MTS, and 25 healthy subjects underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging. Hippocampal volumes were obtained using an automated software (FreeSurfer); HVI and HAI were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to obtain the optimal threshold values. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for qualitative analysis were 44.00%, 96.00%, 91.67% and 63.16%, respectively. In the quantitative analysis, a threshold value of K = 0.22 for HVI provided a sensitivity value of 76.00%, specificity value of 96.00%, PPV of 95.00% and NPV of 80.00%. A threshold value of K = 0.06 for HAI provided the minimum C1 and C2 errors, with a sensitivity value of 88.00%, specificity value of 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 89.30%. A statistically significant difference was observed for HAI ( P < 0.0001), and ipsilateral HVI (left MTS, P = 0.0152; right MTS, P < 0.0001), between MTS and healthy groups. The HVI and HAI, both individually and in conjunction, improved the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of MTS compared to the qualitative analysis and other quantitative techniques. The HAI is highly accurate in the diagnosis of unilateral MTS, whereas the HVI may be better for bilateral MTS cases.

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Introduction When evaluating psychiatric pathologies using imaging studies, the categorical approach supposes a significant challenge. Redefining these pathologies with the use of behavioral dimensions that are related to brain biology has been attempted. This paper aims to describe the findings on functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with schizophrenia and correlate it with their symptomatic domains. Materials and methods This study is a descriptive, observational, transversal study. Fourteen patients with schizophrenia and Fourteen controls were explored using functional magnetic resonance during a resting period and developing easy, medium, and complex tasks. The default mode network was evaluated, registering the voxel activation on a cluster and its maximum activation over interest areas. Subjects were interrogated using the Derogatis Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and correlation coefficients were applied for data analysis. Results Diminished activation of the default mode network was evidenced in association with the complexity of the task in the control group. Patients presented a steady activation when comparing their resting state with the activation during the different tasks. A negative correlation was observed implicating the volume of the functional cluster in the posterior cingulate cortex during the high complexity task and the interpersonal sensitivity domain. A moderate positive correlation was found with symptomatic domains of interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, phobia, and depression, while a moderate negative association was found with psychosis. Conclusions Imaging evaluation of the psychiatric pathologies could be useful if the pathology is approached through the spectrum of symptomatic domains. This perspective would enhance the assertiveness of the therapeutics.

Introduction When evaluating psychiatric pathologies using imaging studies, the categorical approach supposes a significant challenge. Redefining these pathologies with the use of behavioral dimensions that are related to brain biology has been attempted. This paper aims to describe the findings on functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with schizophrenia and correlate it with their symptomatic domains. Materials and methods This study is a descriptive, observational, transversal study. Fourteen patients with schizophrenia and Fourteen controls were explored using functional magnetic resonance during a resting period and developing easy, medium, and complex tasks. The default mode network was evaluated, registering the voxel activation on a cluster and its maximum activation over interest areas. Subjects were interrogated using the Derogatis Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and correlation coefficients were applied for data analysis. Results Diminished activation of the default mode network was evidenced in association with the complexity of the task in the control group. Patients presented a steady activation when comparing their resting state with the activation during the different tasks. A negative correlation was observed implicating the volume of the functional cluster in the posterior cingulate cortex during the high complexity task and the interpersonal sensitivity domain. A moderate positive correlation was found with symptomatic domains of interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, phobia, and depression, while a moderate negative association was found with psychosis. Conclusions Imaging evaluation of the psychiatric pathologies could be useful if the pathology is approached through the spectrum of symptomatic domains. This perspective would enhance the assertiveness of the therapeutics.

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