Computerized tomographic scan changes in early schizophrenia – preliminary findings

Thirty patients who fulfilled DSM-III criteria for schizophrenia but who were within 2 years of presentation were compared with 26 age-matched normal volunteers with respect to CT scan appearances. In the index group the ventricle-brain ratio (VBR) was significantly greater. The VBR values were positively correlated with average alcohol intake and with early physical trauma, and negatively correlated with a family history of schizophrenia. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the present uncertainty about the meaning of CT scan findings in schizophrenia.