No evidence for left superior temporal dysfunction in asymptomatic schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Author(s): Spence, S. A., Bench, C. J., Hirsch, S. R., Stefan, M. D., Sharma, T., Grasby, P. M.

Journal/Book: Brit J Psychiat. 1999; 175: British Journal of Psychiatry 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8Pg, England. Royal College Of Psychiatrists. 367-374.

Abstract: Background Positron emission tomography (PET) studies have revealed functional left superior temporal gyrus (STG) abnormalities in symptomatic schizophrenia during word generation. Aims To discover if this dysfunction is present in asymptomatic schizophrenia. To determine whether, without concurrent symptomatology, schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder (BPD) are distinguishable by differing regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) patterns during word generation. Method A PET verbal fluency protocol was applied to six patients with BPD in remission and six patients with asymptomatic schizophrenia. Analysis included 10 control subjects from a contemporaneous study. Results All groups showed relative reduction of rCBF in both superior temporal cortices. There were no quantitative differences in any group comparison. All groups exhibited negative covariation between rCBF in left prefrontal and right (but not left) temporal regions. Conclusions Abnormal patterns of left STG function cannot be regarded as a trait marker for schizophrenia. Functional abnormalities may reflect aspects of mental state. Declaration of interest Project funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Note: Article Dye SM, Charing Cross Hosp, Imperial Coll, Sch Med, Dept Psychiat, Div Neurosci & Psychol Med, Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 8RF, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): POSITRON-EMISSION-TOMOGRAPHY; CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW; AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS; FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY; CORTEX; BRAIN; DEPRESSION; TASK

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No evidence for left superior temporal dysfunction in asymptomatic schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - PET study of verbal fluency