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Brain Structure and Function

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01-01-2013 | Original Article

Myelination deficits in schizophrenia: evidence from diffusion tensor imaging

Authors: M. Scheel, T. Prokscha, M. Bayerl, J. Gallinat, C. Montag

Published in: Brain Structure and Function | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Diffusion Tensor Imaging studies have repeatedly shown a decrease of the fractional anisotropy (FA) parameter in patients with schizophrenia. This has been interpreted as a disturbed microstructural integrity of white matter. However, FA is a relative parameter that is derived from eigenvalues of the diffusion tensor and FA reductions may be the result of decreases in parallel diffusivity (PD) or increases in radial diffusivity (RD). Despite the well-established FA reduction in schizophrenia, little is known what this reduction is based on.

Methods

Seventeen patients with schizophrenia were scanned with a DTI protocol and compared to a group of healthy control subjects. In addition to an FA comparison, a detailed analysis of PD and RD values was performed with two approaches to localize changes in diffusion values, i.e. a voxel-based analysis and an anatomically based tract specific analysis.

Results

We found significantly decreased FA values in the patient group when compared to healthy controls. FA decreases were based on an increase in RD, while we observed no significant changes of PD. These changes were predominantly localized in frontal and temporal areas.

Conclusion

RD increases as the underlying change in FA decreases is suggestive of desintegration of myelin, which is in line with histopathological studies suggesting a disturbed myelination in schizophrenia.

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Title: Myelination deficits in schizophrenia: evidence from diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: M. Scheel
T. Prokscha
M. Bayerl
J. Gallinat
C. Montag
Publication date: 01-01-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Brain Structure and Function / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1863-2653
Electronic ISSN: 1863-2661
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-012-0389-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Myelination deficits in schizophrenia: evidence from diffusion tensor imaging

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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