Multiple sclerosis presenting as major depression: a diagnosis suggested by MRI scan but not CT scan

J Clin Psychiatry. 1988 Sep;49(9):364-6.

Abstract

A 43-year-old woman had melancholic major depression and mild incoordination. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed extensive lesions of the cerebral white matter that were not detected on a computed tomography (CT) scan. Since multiple sclerosis may initially present as depression, the differential sensitivities of MRI and CT scanning should be considered in deciding which neurodiagnostic studies should be conducted in depressed patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*