Which of the following is true regarding the pathology of schizophrenia?
Alpha-synuclein inclusions suggest Alzheimers and Lewy body disease.
Pallor of the substantia nigra suggests Parkinson's disease.
Asymmetry of the planum temporale is a normal finding. Schizophrenia is associated with a reduced asymmetry.
Ventricular enlargement is associated with schizophrenia but is also seen in other conditions and so it is not pathognomic (diagnostic).
Alpha-synuclein inclusions have been implicated in the pathology of schizophrenia7%Brain volume of affected individuals is often reduced49%Pallor of the substantia nigra is a characteristic finding5%There is increased asymmetry of the planum temporale31%Ventricular enlargement is pathognomic of schizophrenia7%
Alpha-synuclein inclusions suggest Alzheimers and Lewy body disease.
Pallor of the substantia nigra suggests Parkinson's disease.
Asymmetry of the planum temporale is a normal finding. Schizophrenia is associated with a reduced asymmetry.
Ventricular enlargement is associated with schizophrenia but is also seen in other conditions and so it is not pathognomic (diagnostic).
Schizophrenia (pathology)
Macroscopic pathological features of schizophrenia include:-
- Ventricular enlargement
- Reduced brain volume (up to 5%)
- Reduced left planum temporale gray matter, and reversed planum temporale surface area asymmetry (normally left larger than right in a right handed person)
The most consistent microscopic findings have been a reduction of the size of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus.
Advances in Schizophrenia Research 2009, page 115
