Volumetric Brain MRI Changes in Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract

Background: The core symptoms of schizophrenia is associated with changes in volumes of specific regions of the brain.Aim of Study: Is to correlate between Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), Hippocampus, (HC) and Cerebellum (CRM) volumes and schizophrenic core symptoms (cognitive, negative and positive). Methods: The study included twenty schizophrenic patients and 20 matched healthy individuals as control group. DSM-IV-TR was used for diagnosis of Schizophrenia while Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for symptoms assessment. 3D Slicer version 4.2.2 software was used for regional volumetric measurements. Both patients and control were assessed by [Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), Trail Making test (TM) and Folstein Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE] cognitive tests. Results: Significant decrease of volumes of HC [right, p=0.042,], vermis [p=0.02], right, p=0.25], PFC [left p=0.009, right p=0.006], and CRM [left p=0.041. The scores of WMS sub tests (p<0.005), MMSE (p=0.001) and two stages TM delay time (p<0.01) revealed significant reduction in patients than control. PANSS negative symptoms score revealed negative correlation with vermis ( p<0.001) and right CRM lobe volume (p<0.001), while positive correlation between PANSS positive symptoms score and cerebellar vermis (p=0.007) and negative with both HC volumes (p=0.01). Conclusion:Hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum volumes reduction and correlation with core symptoms help in assessment of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.