Second-order morphometric similarity networks predict response to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in major depressive disorder: a two-center study - Scorecard - MDSpire

Second-order morphometric similarity networks predict response to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in major depressive disorder: a two-center study

  • By

  • Chunchen Liu

  • Yu Xiong

  • Tianjiao Xu

  • Jifei Sun

  • Yue Ma

  • Jun Liu

  • Weihui Li

  • Yaxuan Xu

  • Meng Zhao

  • Jiudong Cao

  • Yukang Zhang

  • Lei Zhang

  • Jiazheng Li

  • Xiaoling Wang

  • Xin Wang

  • Kai Sun

  • Changbin Yu

  • Jiliang Fang

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Predictive Value of Second-Order Morphometric Similarity Networks for Treatment Response to Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder: Findings from a Dual-Center Investigation

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionMajor Depressive Disorder
Key MechanismsSecond-order morphometric similarity networks (MSN-II) as predictive biomarkers for treatment response
Target PopulationAntidepressant-free patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Care SettingOutpatient departments

Key Highlights

  • MSN-II demonstrated significant predictive performance for taVNS response (AUC = 0.856)
  • L_OFC_A13 identified as the strongest predictor of treatment response
  • Non-responders exhibited higher baseline MSN-II in L_OFC_A13 compared to responders
  • Study included 122 patients from two centers with complete MRI and clinical assessments
  • MSN-II outperformed conventional MRI measures in predicting treatment outcomes

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Utilize DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder

Management

  • Consider transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a treatment option for MDD

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess treatment response using HAMD-17 score reduction

Risks

  • Exclude patients with contraindications to MRI and severe medical illnesses

Patient & Prescribing Data

Antidepressant-free individuals aged 18 to 70 with MDD

MSN-II features may guide individualized treatment planning for taVNS

Clinical Best Practices

  • Incorporate neuroimaging biomarkers in treatment planning for MDD
  • Monitor changes in MSN-II as a potential indicator of treatment response

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

Second-order morphometric similarity networks predict response to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in major depressive disorder: a two-center study

  • by Chunchen Liu, Yu Xiong, Tianjiao Xu, Jifei Sun, Yue Ma, Jun Liu, Weihui Li, Yaxuan Xu, Meng Zhao, Jiudong Cao, Yukang Zhang, Lei Zhang, Jiazheng Li, Xiaoling Wang, Xin Wang, Kai Sun, Changbin Yu, Jiliang Fang

  • July 8, 2026

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