Brainstem raphe echogenicity predicts response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressive states: a transcranial sonography study

Background: Transcranial sonography (TCS) of the brain parenchyma revealed abnormal reduced echogenicity of brainstem raphe (BR) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and in depression associated with Parkinson's disease. Here, it was studied whether BR echogenicity discriminates 1) MDD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood (ADDM) and 2) SSRI responders and non-responders. Methods: Altogether, 52 patients were studied, of whom 15 suffered from single episode of MDD (MDDs), 22 recurrent MDD (MDDr), and 15 ADDM. TCS was performed independently by two sonographers blind to clinical data and treatme…