White Matter Integrity and Cognitive Impairment in First-Episode Psychosis

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09050716
• Publication Date: 2010-02-17T04:29:45Z
• Authors: Rocío Pérez-Iglesias; Diana Tordesillas...; Philip K. McGuire; Gareth J. Barker; Roberto Roiz-Sant...; Ignacio Mata; Enrique Marco de ...; Jose Manuel Rodrí...; Rosa Ayesa-Arriola; Jose L. Vazquez-B...; Benedicto Crespo-...
• Keywords: Fasciculus; Inferior longitudinal fasciculus; Neurocognitive

Objective Impaired cognitive function has been identified as a core feature of schizophrenia. However, significant proportion patients do not show any deficits. The aim this study was to assess if there were differences in white matter integrity between with and without impairment. Method A diffusion tensor imaging neurocognitive assessment conducted 49 first-episode psychosis 41 healthy comparison subjects. Subjects assessed using the Continuous Performance Test, Grooved Pegboard Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Trail Making Test Part B. For each test, patient sample subdivided according performance, those scoring more than one standard deviation below normative mean categorized impaired. domain, fractional anisotropy deficit nondeficit subgroups compared voxel-based analysis. nonparametric statistical method, controlling for multiple comparisons, applied. Results Impairment on B associated reduced right/left anterior thalamic radiation inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, forceps minor, left superior longitudinal fasciculi. Patients exhibiting impairment showed radiation, corticospinal corticopontine tracts. performance anisotropy. Conclusion Deficits executive motor functioning are reductions major fasciculi that connect frontal temporal cortices well pathways connecting cortical subcortical regions. Their presence at onset illness, minimally medicated patients, indicates these findings attributable effects chronic illness or its treatment.