Which of the following is typically observed in an MRI of a patient with schizophrenia?

Ventricular enlargement is a notable finding typically observed in MRI scans of patients with schizophrenia. This enlargement reflects an increase in the size of the lateral and third ventricles relative to the brain tissue, indicating a potential loss of brain volume or changes in brain structure. Research has shown that individuals with schizophrenia often exhibit this ventriculomegaly, which has been correlated with the severity of the disorder and certain cognitive deficits.

In particular, ventricular enlargement in schizophrenia suggests underlying neurodevelopmental abnormalities, and it has been suggested that this may involve a combination of neurodegenerative processes and disrupted neuronal connectivity. Over time, these structural brain changes can manifest in the clinical symptoms experienced by patients, such as cognitive impairment and positive or negative symptoms associated with the disorder.

In contrast, increased cortical thickness is generally not a prevalent finding in schizophrenia; rather, studies often indicate reduced cortical thickness in certain areas of the brain. Additionally, abnormalities in the hippocampus, which are crucial for memory and emotion processing, typically show a pattern of reduced volume rather than normal hippocampal size. Finally, decreased ventricular size is not consistent with findings in schizophrenia, as the condition is more frequently associated with enlargement rather than reduction.