A magnetic resonance imaging study of the corpus callosum volume in schizophrenia

Abstract

Purpose: We sought to investigate whether the volume of the corpus callosum would be abnormally smaller in schizophrenic subjects using Cavalieri method. Methods: In schizophrenic patients (n=17) and in healthy volunteers (n=11) volume of the corpus callosum were estimated using the magnetic resonance images (MRI). A detailed systematic series of sagittal MRI of the entire brain was obtained in each subject. All estimations were done according to Cavalieri method by a modified point counting probe placed on surface areas of corpus callosum slices. Results: The mean volume of the corpus callosum was 4671,34 mm3 and 6677,15 mm3 in the female schizophrenics and controls, respectively. The mean volumes of the corpus callosurn were 5033.46 mm3 and 5663.52 mm3 in the male schizophrenics and controls, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between corpus callosum volumes of the schizophrenic patients and controls. There was no correlation between corpus callosum volume and BPRS, SANS and SAPS. Conclusion: Corpus callosum volume was significantly reduced in schizophrenic group. Evidence of reduced interhemispheric communication in schizophrenia may be important in explaining the associations between the abnormalities of midline brain structures with the psychiatric illness. © Universitätsverlag Ulm GmbH 2008.