Ces radiol. 2016, 70(1):40-49 | DOI: 10.55095/CesRadiol2016/007

Structural and functional changes of brain in schizophreniaReview article

Ondřej Slezák, Jan Žižka

Radiologická klinika LF UK, Hradec Králové

Structural and functional cerebral changes in subjects suffering from schizophrenia (SZ) were proven by means of several modalities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the results of numerous studies. Atrophic changes were reported by using volumetric methods, microstructural changes of white matter were described by diffusion tensor imaging. These changes are of mild degree yet likely of widespread distribution and progressing over time. Extensive changes of connectivity were observed by resting-state functional MRI. MRI findings are generally compatible with currently preferred hypothesis of cerebral dysconnectivity in SZ.
The published results show considerable degree of variability which can be explained by many reasons. Those of the highest importance are: different methodology, technical MRI limitations, low number of subjects included, high heterogeneity and variability of symptoms of the disease, variable duration of symptoms (first episode versus chronic illness), effects of medication, abuse of toxic substances etc.
Before MRI can be utilized for diagnosing SZ in the clinical settings, more comprehensive multi-centric studies of homogenous cohorts with unified methodology are needed.
In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of structural and functional cerebral changes in schizophrenia.

Keywords: diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, schizophrenia, volumetry

Accepted: February 15, 2016; Published: March 1, 2016  Show citation