Abstract
Background
The human hippocampus becomes visible during the first trimester and folds to form
the hippocampal fissure (HF) in the second trimester. The walls of this fissure fuse
by 30 weeks, although small residual cavities can occur if development is disrupted.
The primary purpose of this study was to determine if hippocampal fissures are evident
in schizophrenia. A second goal was to assess the association between HF size and
premorbid and clinical features of the illness.
Methods
Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained on 33 patients with first-episode schizophrenia
and 19 healthy volunteers. Hippocampal fissures were measured using semi-automated
procedures, and hippocampi were manually traced. Birth history and premorbid functioning
were assessed using maternal report.
Results
Patients had a significantly larger mean HF volume and a nonsignificantly smaller
hippocampal volume. Hippocampal fissure size was significantly associated with poor
educational achievement and with anxiety–depression symptoms during the onset of illness.
Smaller hippocampal size was associated with poor premorbid adjustment.
Conclusions
Larger HF size and an association between low educational achievement and enlarged
HFs suggest abnormal neurodevelopment in schizophrenia. The association between HF
size and anxiety–depression symptoms suggests that hippocampal abnormalities underlying
HF dilatation may be a predisposing factor for increased stress sensitivity.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
October 21,
2002
Received in revised form:
October 17,
2002
Received:
July 22,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.