Neuroanatomic localization of magnetic resonance imaging signal hyperintensities in geriatric depression.
OBJECTIVE
Increased frequency and severity of signal hyperintensities have been regularly reported in elderly depressed patients compared with normal subjects, however, greater neuroanatomic localization of lesions has been limited.


METHODS
T2-weighted MRI scans in elderly depressed patients (n = 35) and normal comparison subjects (n = 31) were assessed for signal hyperintensities in lateralized discrete brain regions.


RESULTS
Logistic regression revealed that left frontal deep white matter (P<.005) and left putaminal (P<.04) hyperintensities significantly predicted depressive group assignment.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that greater neuroanatomic localization of hyperintensities than heretofore appreciated may relate to late-life depression.
Greenwald
B S
BS
Department of Psychiatry, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA. greenwal@lij.edu
Kramer-Ginsberg
E
E
Krishnan
K R
KR
Ashtari
M
M
Auerbach
C
C
Patel
M
M
D000368:Aged; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male