Neuroanatomical correlates of psychopathology in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia

Background: Previous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies using manual techniques reporting significant relationship between psychopathology and gray matter volume in schizophrenia are limited by various confounding factors. None used automated image analysis to examine gray matter volume correlates of psychopathology in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients.

Aim: This study aimed at examining the relationship between psychopathology and gray matter volume abnormalities in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients.

Patients and methods: MRI of 30 antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia (DSM-IV) patients and 27 age-, sex- education- and handedness-matched healthy controls were compared for gray matter volume differences using Optimized Voxel-based Morphometry (VBM)-an automated, rapid and unbiased technique. Psychopathology was measured using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) with good inter-rater reliability. The correlations between PANSS scores and gray matter volume were examined using VBM.

Results: Schizophrenia patients had significant gray matter volume deficits in frontal, cingulate, temporal, insula and precuneus cortices; thalamus, caudate and cerebellum. Positive syndrome score had significant negative correlation with left superior temporal gyrus volume. Negative syndrome score had significant inverse correlation with frontal, cingulate and cerebellar gray matter volumes.

Conclusions: Cortical and cerebellar gray matter volume deficits and their significant negative correlations with psychopathology scores are supportive of 'Cognitive Dysmetria' in schizophrenia.