[Structural brain changes in schizophrenia].

Studies using structural brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have provided important clues to help our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. There have been a variety of brain morphological changes reported in schizophrenia including (1) premorbid structural deviation possibly due to early neurodevelopmental abnormalities, (2) active progressive changes occurring before and after the onset of first psychosis, and (3) further progressive changes in chronic phase in some patients. Although causes of these changes remains elusive, a number of genetic and environmental factors have been suggested to underlie the morphological abnormalities in schizophrenia. Treatment strategies to prevent the progression of brain morphological changes could contribute to improving long-term outcome.