Submillimeter whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging reveals radial diffusion alterations of cortical gray matter in schizophrenia

Motivation: Radiality index (RI) depicts the radial diffusion orientation within the cortex. Investigating RI alterations at cortical level gives an insight into the pathophysiological changes and microstructural disconnections in schizophrenia patients. Goal(s): To elucidate the RI changes in schizophrenia at various cortical depths, and their relationship with age. Approach: Submillimeter distortion-less DTI data was acquired from 20 in schizophrenia patients and 20 healthy controls (HC). Cortical depth-based and ROI-based analyses were used to investigate the RI alterations in schizophrenia. Results: Compared to HC, schizophrenia patients exhibited altered RI values at several cortical regions and RI changes correlated to age. Impact: The altered radiality index values observed in schizophrenia patients through submillimeter DTI techniques reveal diffusion-related microstructural changes in cortical grey matter and may serve as potential biomarkers for psychopathological conditions.