Dynamic neuroimaging with PET, SPET or fMRI

Journal/Book: Int Rev Psychiatr. 1997; 9: PO Box 25, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England OX14 3UE. Carfax Publ Co. 331-337.

Abstract: Recent advances in imaging technology, image analysis and study design have made it possible to identify variance in regional cerebral activity that is truly informative about the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In particular, advances in PET and fMRI that allow multiple scans of a single subject, together with the development of statistical techniques for pixel by pixel analysts, have facilitated experimental designs that elucidate cerebral activity associated with specific symptoms, and with specific mental processes implicated in schizophrenia. The findings reveal abnormal function in many areas of association cortex and related subcortical nuclei. Replicated studies demonstrate that delusions and hallucinations are associated with overactivity in medial temporal lobe and ventral striatum, while negative symptoms are associated with frontal underactivity. Furthermore, the patterns of cerebral activity during tasks such as word generation, indicate that schizophrenia is characterized by aberrant coordination of cerebral activity at diverse cerebral sites.

Note: Article Liddle PF, Univ British Columbia, Dept Psychiat, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, CANADA

Keyword(s): CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW; AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS; SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS; PREFRONTAL CORTEX; TOMOGRAPHY

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