Recent neuropathologic investigations in schizophrenia report smaller
volume of medial temporal lobe structures. These findings are confirmed by
preliminary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Direct stimulation of
lateral temporal lobe structures in the region of the superior temporal
gyrus provokes hallucinations. The authors' MRI study of young
schizophrenic patients demonstrates smaller volume of the superior temporal
gyrus (an auditory association area) and of the left amygdala. Smaller size
of the left superior temporal gyrus and left amygdala is not accounted for
by smaller size of the overall brain or temporal lobe. Shrinkage of the
left superior temporal gyrus is strongly and selectively correlated with
severity of auditory hallucinations.Abstract Teaser