Association of Lesion Location and Depressive Symptoms Poststroke

Background: Depressive symptoms are a common stroke sequela, yet their neurobiological substrates are still unclear. We sought to determine if they are associated with specific lesion locations. Methods: In a prospective observational study, 270 patients with stroke were tested twice with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale around day 6 and again 6 months poststroke and voxel-based lesion behavior mapping was performed. Results: Frequency of depressive symptoms (depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale >7) after 6 months was 19.6 %. Higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores for depression around day 6 were the only variable associated with depressive symptoms after 6 months in a multiple logistic regression. Lesions in the right putamen were significantly associated with depressive symptoms after 6 months in the voxel-based lesion behavior mapping. Conclusions: Lesions in the right basal ganglia might increase the risk of depressive symptoms 6 months poststroke.