Computerised Tomography in Schizophrenia 15 Years On

Abstract

X-ray computerised tomography (CT) has revolutionised diagnostic radiology, particularly neuroradiology, since its inception (Houndsfield, 1973). It has been used widely in the systematic examination of brain structure in schizophrenia since the first study, 15 years ago, by Johnstone et al (1976). Several good reviews of the findings appeared in the mid-1980s (e.g. Reveley, 1985a; Shelton & Weinberger, 1986). Since then, although the spate of published studies has slowed, the quality of more recent published studies has in general been higher than the earlier ones, and it is time to look at the field again. This review examines the methodological pitfalls in CT research in schizophrenia and then attempts to draw some conclusions in the light of these.