Longitudinal Structural MRI Findings in Individuals at Genetic and Clinical High Risk for Psychosis: A Systematic Review

Merritt, Kate, Luque Laguna, Pedro, Irfan, Ayela and David, Anthony S. 2021. Longitudinal Structural MRI Findings in Individuals at Genetic and Clinical High Risk for Psychosis: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry 12 , 620401. 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.620401

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Abstract

Background: Several cross-sectional studies report brain structure differences between healthy volunteers and subjects at genetic or clinical high risk of developing schizophrenia. However, longitudinal studies are important to determine whether altered trajectories of brain development precede psychosis onset. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to determine if brain trajectories differ between (i) those with psychotic experiences (PE), genetic (GHR) or clinical high risk (CHR), compared to healthy volunteers, and (ii) those who transition to psychosis compared to those who do not. Results: Thirty-eight studies measured gray matter and 18 studies measured white matter in 2,473 high risk subjects and 990 healthy volunteers. GHR, CHR, and PE subjects show an accelerated decline in gray matter primarily in temporal, and also frontal, cingulate and parietal cortex. In those who remain symptomatic or transition to psychosis, gray matter loss is more pronounced in these brain regions. White matter volume and fractional anisotropy, which typically increase until early adulthood, did not change or reduced in high risk subjects in the cingulum, thalamic radiation, cerebellum, retrolenticular part of internal capsule, and hippocampal–thalamic tracts. In those who transitioned, white matter volume and fractional anisotropy reduced over time in the inferior and superior fronto-occipital fasciculus, corpus callosum, anterior limb of the internal capsule, superior corona radiate, and calcarine cortex. Conclusion: High risk subjects show deficits in white matter maturation and an accelerated decline in gray matter. Gray matter loss is more pronounced in those who transition to psychosis, but may normalize by early adulthood in remitters.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC)
Additional Information:	This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY)
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
ISSN:	1664-0640
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	13 August 2021
Date of Acceptance:	8 January 2021
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 21:48
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/143361

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