A. Garavini, A. Iannitelli, A. Quartini, M. Nordio, C. Di Biasi, G.F.Gualdi, G. Bersani - Vol. 8, September 2002, Issue 3
Testo Bibliografia Summary Indice
Assenza di correlazioni cliniche in un campione
di pazienti schizofrenici con ridotto volume epifisario
Lack of correlation of reduced pineal volume with clinical
characteristics in a sample of schizophrenic patients
Methods
Several studies have proposed pineal gland abnormalities in schizophrenia.
We calculated pineal volume on brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans of 15 male schizophrenic inpatients and of 16 matched healthy subjects. The maximum length (L) and height (H) of pineal gland were measured on medial sagittal images and the width (W) was measured on axial images. The volume (V) was calculated according to the formula: V = 1/2 x H x L x W.
Results
The statistical comparison showed significant difference of pineal gland volume between schizophrenics and healthy controls (p = .022) with reduced volume in the first group and no significant correlation with the PANSS, SAPS and SANS.
Conclusions
Although some reports have argued on the possible role of a defective functioning of pineal gland in schizophrenia, the potential pathogenetic implications are far to be elucited and further anatomical and functional data are requested for a deeper knowledge of its potential pathogenetic role.