Computerized tomographic scan changes in early schizophrenia – preliminary findings

Patients who fulfilled DSM–III criteria for schizophrenia but who were within 2 years of presentation were compared with age–matched normal volunteers with respect to CT scan appearances, and in the index group the ventricle–brain ratio (VBR) was significantly greater.

Abstract

Thirty patients who fulfilled DSM-III criteria for schizophrenia but who were within 2 years of presentation were compared with 26 age-matched normal volunteers with respect to CT scan appearances. In the index group the ventricle-brain ratio (VBR) was significantly greater. The VBR values were positively correlated with average alcohol intake and with early physical trauma, and negatively correlated with a family history of schizophrenia. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the present uncertainty about the meaning of CT scan findings in schizophrenia.