Hippocampal volume as a predictor of short-term ECT outcomes in older patients with depression.
OBJECTIVE
The authors examined the relationship between hippocampal volume and acute electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) outcomes.


METHODS
Depression was measured by Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores, and hippocampal volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.


RESULTS
After controlling for baseline MADRS score, larger right-hippocampal volume was associated with higher MADRS scores after an index course of ECT.


CONCLUSIONS
These results are the converse of those obtained in a study assessing the relationship between hippocampal volume and pharmacotherapy. The findings suggest a need for further study in this area.
Lekwauwa
Ruby E
RE
Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Duke Univ. Medical Center, Box 3903, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
McQuoid
Douglas R
DR
Steffens
David C
DC
D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome