Measuring the corpus callosum in schizophrenia: A technique with neuroanatomical and cytoarchtectural basis

Abstract

Background: Corpus Callosum (CC) abnormalities have been described in schizophrenia. Review of CC measurement methods in schizophrenia reveals inconsistency and lack of neuroanatomical basis. Aims: The aims of the study are to describe a new CC measurement method with valid a neuroanatomical and cytoarchitectural basis and to demonstrate inter-rater reliability for the same. Settings and design: The study was performed in the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. Ours is a cross-sectional study in which both the first author and senior neuroradiologist were blind to clinical details. Material and methods: We report a reliable, semi-automated CC measuring technique with a neuroanatomical and cytoarchitectural basis tested in a group of 16 never-treated schizophrenia patients using 1-mm thick, objectively defined midsagittal MRI section. Measurement on coded slices using scion image software ensured elimination of rater bias. Statistical analysis used: The statistical analysis used for assessing inter-rater reliability is intraclass correlation coefficient analysis. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficients for the CC measurements were as follows: CC Area = 0.93; Anterior CC area = 0.84; Area of body of the CC = 0.83; Area of CC isthmus = 0.65; Area of CC splenium = 0.88; maximum antero-posterior distance of CC = 0.96. Conclusion: Measurements showed good inter-rater reliability. The methodology demonstrated in our study is simple, relevant, reliable and can be used for future schizophrenia research.