Abstract
Background
We measured the shape of the head of the caudate nucleus with a new approach based
on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) subjects
in whom we previously reported decreased caudate nucleus volume. We believe MRI shape
analysis complements traditional MRI volume measurements.
Methods
Magnetic resonance imaging scans were used to measure the shape of the caudate nucleus
in 15 right-handed male subjects with SPD, who had no prior neuroleptic exposure,
and in 14 matched normal comparison subjects. With MRI processing tools, we measured
the head of the caudate nucleus using a shape index, which measured how much a given
shape deviates from a sphere.
Results
In relation to comparison subjects, neuroleptic never-medicated SPD subjects had significantly
higher (more “edgy”) head of the caudate shape index scores, lateralized to the right
side. Additionally, for SPD subjects, higher right and left head of the caudate SI
scores correlated significantly with poorer neuropsychological performance on tasks
of visuospatial memory and auditory/verbal working memory, respectively.
Conclusions
These data confirm the value of measuring shape, as well as volume, of brain regions
of interest and support the association of intrinsic pathology in the caudate nucleus,
unrelated to neuroleptic medication, with cognitive abnormalities in the schizophrenia
spectrum.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 7,
2003
Received in revised form:
August 6,
2003
Received:
April 21,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
