A comprehensive study of chronic schizophrenic patients. I. Quantitative computed tomography: cerebral density, ventricle and sulcal measures.

Based on recent computed tomography (CT) studies that have suggested the presence of distinct structural abnormalities in the brains of chronic schizophrenics, the authors evaluated 23 chronic schizophrenics and 23 controls by CT, using linear and area lateral ventricular measures, sulcal and Sylvian fissure widths and cerebral density measures. Technical problems inherent in CT studies and their impact on the use of data generated by such studies are discussed. Although there were few differences between groups, there emerged a distinct subgroup of schizophrenic patients with mild lateral ventricle enlargement associated with increased cortical density. The possible etiopathology for this atypical combination is discussed, including the striking parallels with a recent neuropathological study's findings.