J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2024 Feb;63(1):76-82. 10.4306/jknpa.2024.63.1.76.

White Matter Microstructure Alterations in Schizophrenia With Auditory Verbal Hallucination: Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

• Sung M
• Jung J
• Song K
• Jung T
• Lee HK

• KMID: 2553671
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2024.63.1.76

Abstract

Objectives
To compare the white matter microstructure alterations in schizophrenia with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) with normal persons using diffusion tensor imaging.
Methods
Thirty-five schizophrenia patients with AVHs and 33 normal control persons were recruited from the National Forensic Hospital in Korea. The fractional anisotropy (FA) values of arcuate fasciculus (AF), Broca’s area, and Wernicke’s area were estimated from the diffusion tensor imaging data of each subject using the Johns Hopkins University-white matter tractography atlas to determine the difference in white matter integrity between schizophrenia patients with AVH and normal persons.
Results
Compared to the normal control group, the FA values of AF (t=4.349, p<0.001) were higher in the normal control group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area.
Conclusion
Microstructural changes of AF are certainly involved in schizophrenia patients with AVHs.

Keyword

Auditory verbal hallucination; Schizophrenia; Arcuate fasciculus; DTI