Longitudinal MRI study in schizophrenia patients and their healthy siblings.
To investigate whether genetic and/or disease-related factors are involved in progressive structural brain changes in schizophrenia, magnetic resonance imaging scans with a 5-year scan interval were acquired in patients, their same-gender siblings and matched healthy controls. Structural equation modelling was applied to assess disease and familial effects. Whole brain and cerebral grey matter volumes decreased excessively in patients compared with their siblings and the controls, suggesting that the progressive brain loss in schizophrenia may be related to the disease process.
Brans
Rachel G H
RG
Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, A01.126, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. R.Brans@azu.nl
van Haren
Neeltje E M
NE
van Baal
G Caroline M
GC
Staal
Wouter G
WG
Schnack
Hugo G
HG
Kahn
René S
RS
Hulshoff Pol
Hilleke E
HE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000473:pathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009929:Organ Size; D010375:Pedigree; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D035781:Siblings