Karl Olof Lovblad MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Alessandro Alimenti MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Philippe Rey-Bellet MA, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sstephane Eeliez MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Daniel Andre Ruefenacht MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marco Merlo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) demonstrates changes corresponding to alterations in the anatomy of human white matter underlying many diseases. White matter changes have been postulated to be present in schizophrenia. We wanted to explore the utility of DTI in the clinical-work-up in acute early-onset schizophrenia.

Sixteen patients with acute onset of schiophrenia underwent MRI of the brain on a 1.5 T echo-planar capable unit (Philips Intera). 5 volunteers without neuropsychioatric disease were also imaged. Sequences included axial T2-weighted images (5mm; 240x240;TR:4454ms,TE:100ms), coronal FLAIR (5mm; 230x230;TR:11000ms;TE:140ms) as well as a T1- weighted 3D sequence (1.5mm;240x240;TR:35ms;TE:6ms) in addition to the whole-brain Sense Diffusion tensor sequence (5mm thick slices;FoV: 240 x 240;TR:5168ms;TE:70ms) which was acquired in 6 directions (b= 1000) additionally to the T2 image (b=0). The images were exported to the Pride workstation where maps of anisotropy were reconstructed which were then analyzed using a home-made custom software program. Regions of interest with a mean of 750 voxels were defined for the temporal lobes which were mirrored to the contralateral hemisphere in order to guarantee symmetry and an automatic threshold was performed to isolate the white matter.

We found an overall increase in anisotropy in the brains of the patients with schizophreniia when compared to the controls. There was also a higher degree of anisotropy in the left hemisphere especially in the temporal lobe: mean FA values were of 47.2 in the left temporal white matter and 46.3 in the right sided white matter.

Diffusion tensor imaging demonstrates changes in anisotropy in the brain of schizophrenics that suggest a dammage of the white matter tracts that connect various cortical areas. There is an increase in anisotropy overall in the brains of schizophrenics along with an increase in the left hemisphere and temporal lobe. Thus DTI can have an important role to play in the work-up of patients with suspected neuropsychiatric diseases.

Lovblad, K, Alimenti, A, Rey-Bellet, P, Eeliez, S, Ruefenacht, D, Merlo, M, Diffusion Tensor Imaging Demonstrates Underlying White Matter Changes in Acute Early Onset Schizophrenia.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4406288.html