Quantitative Evaluation of the Parietal Lobes Abnormalities in Sudanese Patients With Schizophrenia: A Comparative Brain Segmentation Study

Abstract

Aim: Schizophrenia is a long-standing psychiatric condition marked by a gradual deterioration in cognitive functioning, personality organization, and affective responsiveness. This study represents the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation to explore morphological similarities and differences of the parietal lobes in Sudanese individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Material and Method: The study cohort comprised 54 patients and 82 healthy participants who met the inclusion criteria. All participants underwent a structured socio demographic assessment and comprehensive physical examination. Brain MRI scans were acquired and subsequently analyzed using automated brain segmentation software applied to DICOM format images. Results: The mean volume of the parietal lobe was significantly lower in patients (114.97±10.86 cm³) compared to controls (127.85±10.65 cm³). Similarly, volume reductions were seen in both gray and white matter compartments in patients (72.49±7.54 cm³ and 42.47±4.51 cm³) compared to controls (79.40±6.77 cm³ and 48.46±5.94 cm³). However, no significant difference was observed in the cortical pial surface area of the parietal lobe between groups. Parietal cortical thickness was notably diminished in patients (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The reductions observed in total parietal lobe volume, along with diminished gray and white matter volumes in individuals with schizophrenia, indicate a widespread atrophic process affecting this cerebral region. These structural abnormalities may underlie specific cognitive deficits commonly associated with schizophrenia.