Single-center prospective observational study investigating the association of brainstem raphe hypoechogenicity detected by transcranial sonography and post-stroke depression three months after an acute ischemic stroke.

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is an important complication after a stroke. Despite significant limitations between studies of PSD risk factors, stroke severity or post-stroke disability, prior depressive episodes, and female sex are arguably the most well-known risk factors for developing PSD, although the predictive value of these factors is limited.

A hypoechogenic brainstem raphe (BR) detected by transcranial sonography (TCS) is associated with depressive symptoms in distinct diseases but is also common with approximately 25% of the non-depressed population in Europe. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the association between BR hypoechogenicity and PSD occurrence in a prospective observational study design.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acute ischemic stroke with the onset of symptoms within the past 14 days
• Diagnosis of AIS is confirmed by brain imaging, either computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging

Exclusion Criteria:

• Insufficient transtemporal bone window for transcranial sonography examination

Patients who present with an acute ischemic stroke to the emergency department with the onset of symptoms within the past 14 days.