Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

A Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Technique for Inducing Post-stroke Depression in Rats
04:38

A Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Technique for Inducing Post-stroke Depression in Rats

Published on: May 22, 2019

9.4K

Pontine microbleeds and depression in stroke

W K Tang1, X X Liu2, Y K Chen3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China tangwk@cuhk.edu.hk.

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology
|February 20, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Poststroke depression (PSD) risk is higher with pontine cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). This study found pontine CMBs independently predict PSD, highlighting their role in the neuroanatomy of depression after stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common complication following stroke.
  • The neuroanatomical underpinnings of PSD are not fully understood.
  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between PSD and the presence and location of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs).
  • To determine if CMBs in specific brain regions are independent predictors of PSD.
  • To contribute to the neuroanatomical model of poststroke depression.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 4766 ischemic stroke patients, with 229 included in the study.
  • PSD was diagnosed using a Geriatric Depression Scale score of 7 or higher.
  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were identified and located using magnetic resonance imaging.

Main Results:

  • Patients with PSD had a significantly higher prevalence of pontine CMBs compared to non-PSD patients (32.0% vs 18.2%, P = .019).
  • Pontine CMBs were identified as an independent predictor of PSD.
  • The odds ratio for PSD in the presence of pontine CMBs was 2.2 (P = .016).

Conclusions:

  • Pontine CMBs are associated with an increased risk of developing poststroke depression.
  • This finding suggests a specific neuroanatomical link between microvascular damage in the pons and depression after stroke.
  • Further research into the mechanisms underlying this association is warranted.
Keywords:
GDSMRIdepressionmicrobleedsponsstroke

More Related Videos

Massive Pontine Hemorrhage by Dual Injection of Autologous Blood06:33

Massive Pontine Hemorrhage by Dual Injection of Autologous Blood

Published on: May 29, 2021

3.8K
Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats06:39

Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats

Published on: October 17, 2018

6.1K

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
30
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
20
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
54
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
44
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
55