ABSTRACT
Based on clinical similarities with schizophrenics and previous computed tomography (CT) studies that found distinct structural abnormalities in the brains of bipolar patients, we evaluated 26 DSM-III bipolar patients and 22 controls by CT, using quantitative measures of ventricular and sulcal size and of cerebral parenchymal density. Third ventricle size was increased, as was periventricular and cortical density. Comparison is made with results found in other psychotic conditions and the possible etiopathological significance discussed.
Subject(s)
Bipolar Disorder/psychology , Brain/pathology , Neurocognitive Disorders/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , Cerebral Cortex/pathology , Cerebral Ventricles/pathology , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Organic solvent inhalation leading to intoxication has become an important medical problem. Pulmonary function studies were performed on 42 young (ages 11-31) solvent inhalers and on 20 controls (ages 10-26). Ventilatory studies were normal in the majority, but residual volumes of inhalers were significantly higher (136.26% +/- 32.64% S.C.) than in controls (104% +/- 27.78% S.C.)--p less than 0.001. Lung tissue obtained at autopsy, from three known solvent inhalers was found to contain microscopic abnormalities similar to those seen in experimental panlobular emphysema and it is assumed these changes are consistent with increased residual volumes.
