Correlation analysis between depressive manifestations and morphological lesion characteristics in patients with stroke

Introduction: Knowledge of etiopathogenesis of post-stroke depressive phenomena contributes to early diagnostics which shortens recovery to a great extent and suits the social and professional rehabilitation of patients, if followed by proper psycho/pharmacotherapy. The aim of this work is to research dependence of depressive manifestations considering the size and anatomical localization of lesion. Subjects and Methods: The research included 118 patients with stroke. Lesion localization was defined on computerized axial tomography records, whereas the area and perimeter of lesion were measured by AutoCAD 2004 software. Examinations by means of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression were carried out by the method of random selection 11–40 days after stroke. Correlation analysis was made by simple linear/nonlinear regression and Cox’s hazard regression model. Results: Negative correlation was observed between the intensity of depressive manifestations and the size of cerebrovascular lesion (Spearman’s r= – 0.263, P= 0.004). By means of Cox’s regression model we determined 4.389 times higher risk for depression occurrence in female patients (P< 0.001), as well as higher risk due to lobus limbicus structure damages (hazard ratio eb(HR) = 2.661, P= 0.019). Conclusion: Lower intensity of depressive manifestations with larger cerebrovascular lesions, we have explained by activation of reparation mechanisms with energy savings and decrease (due to neurological deficits) of afferent peripheral sensations which antecedent the occurrence of emotions (James-Lange peripheral theory of emotions).