Three-dimensional magnetic resonance-based morphometrics and ventricular dysmorphology in schizophrenia

Background: Recent methodological refinements in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have led to brain averaging and morphometric approaches that are sensitive to subtle anatomical distinctions in schizophrenia. Methods: Using a novel morphometric technique for surface analysis, 48 selected landmarks of the rendered ventricular system were extracted and compared between the ventricles of 20 patients with schizophrenia and 20 normal subjects. Results: There was no significant difference in ventricular shape between groups, but significant (p = .015) and highly localized shape deformity was detected at the foramen of Monro and at the proximal temporal horn of the lateral ventricle of male (but not female) patients relative to controls. Conclusions: Three-dimensional MR-based morphomettics complements established volumetric approaches and can detect minute shape deformities that may be associated with schizophrenia.