Brain morphological abnormality in schizophrenia is independent of country of origin

Objective: The disorder schizophrenia has a worldwide prevalence of 1% and is generally associated with lateral cerebral ventricular enlargement. Whether there is a relationship between these two findings is unclear but has aetiological relevance. Method: Consecutively admitted Chinese patients (n = 19) with first episode of schizophrenia and healthy community volunteers (n = 29) underwent magnetic resonance imaging brain scan. The groups were balanced for age, sex, best social class and handedness. These patients were similar on clinical and socio-demographic indices to those who declined participation (n = 15). Semi-automated volumetric analysis of whole brain volume, cortical grey matter, cerebrospinal fluid, sulci and lateral ventricles was performed. Results: Chinese patients in their first episode of schizophrenia have significant enlargement of lateral ventricles. Conclusion: Brain morphological abnormality in schizophrenia is present regardless of the country of origin. The importance of genes in driving normal brain development and stable prevalence suggests that aetiology may favour genes over environment.