Hippocampal subfields predict positive symptoms in schizophrenia: first evidence from brain morphometry

Transl Psychiatry. 2012 Jun 12;2(6):e127. doi: 10.1038/tp.2012.51.

Abstract

Alterations of hippocampal anatomy have been reported consistently in schizophrenia. Within the present study, we used FreeSurfer to determine hippocampal subfield volumes in 21 schizophrenic patients. A negative correlation between PANSS-positive symptom score and bilateral hippocampal subfield CA2/3 as well as CA1 volume was found on high-resolution magnetic resonance images. Our observation opens the gate for advanced investigation of the commonly reported hippocampal abnormalities in schizophrenia in terms of specific subfields.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / anatomy & histology*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Organ Size
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / pathology*