OBJECTIVE: Since previous work indicated smaller than normal temporal
lobe structures in schizophrenic patients, the authors tested the
hypothesis that this abnormality might be reflected in abnormally large
sylvian fissures. METHOD: The subjects were 48 schizophrenic patients and
51 normal comparison subjects matched groupwise with regard to age and sex.
CSF spaces (sylvian fissures, temporal lobe sulci, temporal horns, third
ventricle, lateral ventricles, and superficial cerebral sulci) were
visually assessed with the magnetic resonance imaging rating protocol of
the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD).
RESULTS: The sylvian fissures of the schizophrenic patients were found to
be bilaterally wider than those of the comparison subjects. There were no
other significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Schizophrenic patients appear
to have larger than normal sylvian fissures, which may reflect smaller
superior temporal gyri.Abstract Teaser