WHITE-MATTER HYPERINTENSITY SIGNALS ASSOCIATED WITH VASCULAR RISK-FACTORS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

1. A sample of 165 schizophrenic subjects was compared to a normal con trol group in order to evaluate associations between white matter hype rintensity signals and vascular risk factors. 2. A comprehensive medic al chart review was completed on all. subjects evaluating potential va scular risk factors. Brain MRI acquisition was performed with 0.5 and 1.5 Telsa Philips scanners. 3. Prevalence rates of WMH signals in schi zophrenic subjects and normal controls were 4.8% and 4.9%, respectivel y. 4. A significant association was found for schizophrenics with WMH signals to schizophrenics without signals for hypertension and history of CVA's. 5. This finding is consistent with an etiology of WMH signa ls in schizophrenia being related to vascular disease.