Microstructural Alterations in Schizophrenia evaluated by Multidimensional Diffusion MRI and Inhomogeneous Magnetization Transfer Imaging

This prospective study aimed to identify the role of multidimensional diffusion (MDD) MRI and inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) imaging, the former reported as capable of quantifying various microstructural diffusion properties and differentiating tissue-specific subparts and the latter as selective to changes in myelin, in underpinning the microstructural brain changes in schizophrenia. Alterations in MDD MRI indices were observed, associated with negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Altered size and shape of cells other than myelin (probably glia or neurons) are thought as coined in the pathophysiological mechanisms.