Neuroanatomic localization of magnetic resonance imaging signal hyperintensities in geriatric depression.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 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.