OBJECTIVE: A cortical gray matter deficit has been found in cross-
sectional studies of patients with chronic schizophrenia. The purpose of
this study was to examine whether this deficit is present early in the
course of illness. METHOD: The authors measured cortical gray matter volume
on magnetic resonance images acquired within 6 months of onset of illness
from 22 patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 51 age-matched
comparison subjects from the Stony Brook First Episode Study. RESULTS: A
significant cortical gray matter deficit and lateral ventricular
enlargement were found in schizophrenic patients relative to the comparison
group. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the cortical gray matter deficit close
to onset of illness supports the role of preexisting structural brain
deficits in the genesis of schizophrenia.
Abstract Teaser