It is well known that schizophrenia is characterized by structural brain abnormalities with neurodevelopmental origin. These abnormalities can be detected with quantitative and structural MRI methods that have an emergent role in psychiatric disorders. In our study we used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) that is the most frequently used structural MRI method.

We compared eight patients with first episode schizophrenia and eight, age-matched healthy subjects to detect focal tissue differences in gray and white matter, and cerebrospinal fluids between groups. High resolution T1 weighted 3D MPRAGE structural volumes were acquired with a 1.0 T Siemens Harmony Expert scanner. Imaging data were preprocessed and voxel based morphometry was performed by SPM2. Optimized VBM method was used.

Similar to earlier studies, patients with schizophrenia showed decreased gray matter tissue density in frontotemporal and insular regions bilaterally. Moreover, the left–sided parietal operculum and the calcarina showed focal decrease in tissue density. Frontotemporal and insular white matter density decrease were detected bilaterally similar to gray matter changes. The left sided precuneus and lingual gyrus were also involved in reduced white matter density. Increased cerebrospinal fluid spaces were detected in the frontal regions and the ventricles.

We detected structural brain abnormalities in the early course of schizophrenia. Our results with the optimized voxel-based morphometry are in line with earlier imaging studies and correspond with neuropsychologically detectable frontotemporal deficits in schizophrenia.