Quantitative MRI measures of orbitofrontal cortex in patients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Psychiatry Res. 2005 Nov 30;140(2):133-45. doi: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2005.07.004. Epub 2005 Oct 25.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / diagnosis
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / epidemiology
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / physiopathology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Prefrontal Cortex / metabolism*
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Psychotic Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Schizophrenia / diagnostic imaging
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires