Compared with healthy controls, neuroimaging studies of patients with chronic schizophrenia most consistently demonstrate which of the following structural findings?

• A Focal calcification of the basal ganglia
• B Enlargement of the lateral and third ventricles with reduced cortical grey matter volume ✓
• C Unilateral temporal lobe hemiatrophy with compensatory skull thickening
• D Diffuse white matter demyelination mimicking multiple sclerosis

Explanation

The most replicated structural abnormality in schizophrenia is ventricular enlargement, particularly of the lateral and third ventricles, together with reduced volume of medial temporal structures such as the hippocampus and overall cortical grey matter. These changes support a neurodevelopmental component and correlate partly with negative symptoms and cognitive impairment. Basal ganglia calcification, focal hemiatrophy, and demyelination are not characteristic findings and point toward alternative diagnoses.

Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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