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White matter changes in stroke patients. Relationship with stroke subtype and outcome
European Neurology
|September 4, 1999
Summary
White matter changes (WMC) are common in stroke patients and linked to poorer outcomes. These changes increase risks for death, recurrent strokes, and dementia, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- White matter changes (WMC) are frequently observed in patients following a stroke.
- Imaging techniques are crucial for detecting WMC in stroke patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between WMC and different stroke subtypes.
- To determine the relationship between WMC and stroke outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline.
- Keywords included 'WMC' or related terms and 'stroke' or related terms.
Main Results:
- WMC are present in up to 44% of stroke/TIA patients and 50% of vascular dementia patients.
- WMC are more common in lacunar infarcts, deep intracerebral hemorrhages, CADASIL, and CAA.
- Post-stroke, WMC correlate with increased risk of mortality, dependency, recurrent stroke, bleeding, myocardial infarction, and dementia.
Conclusions:
- WMC in stroke patients are often indicative of small-vessel disease.
- The presence of WMC is associated with adverse outcomes, including poor neurological and cardiac health.
- Further research is required to fully understand the implications of WMC in stroke.