Quantitative MRI measures of orbitofrontal cortex in patients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
The relationship between orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) volumes and functional domains in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder is poorly understood. OFC dysfunction is implicated in several of the behaviors that are abnormal in schizophrenia. However, little is known about the relationship between these behaviors and OFC volumes. Forty-nine patients received magnetic resonance imaging scanning as part of a double-blind treatment study in which psychiatric symptomatology, neuropsychological function, and aggression were measured. OFC volumes were manually traced on anatomical images. Psychiatric symptomatology was measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Aggression was measured with the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) and with the PANSS. Neuropsychological function was assessed using a comprehensive test battery. Larger right OFC volumes were associated with poorer neuropsychological function. Larger left OFC gray matter volumes and larger OFC white matter volumes bilaterally were associated with greater levels of aggression. These findings are discussed in the context of potential iatrogenic effects.
Hoptman
Matthew J
MJ
Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA. Hoptman@nki.rfmh.org
Volavka
Jan
J
Weiss
Elisabeth M
EM
Czobor
Pál
P
Szeszko
Philip R
PR
Gerig
Guido
G
Chakos
Miranda
M
Blocher
Joseph
J
Citrome
Leslie L
LL
Lindenmayer
Jean-Pierre
JP
Sheitman
Brian
B
Lieberman
Jeffrey A
JA
Bilder
Robert M
RM
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires