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Topographic correspondence between white matter hyperintensities and brain atrophy
R Rossi1, M Boccardi, F Sabattoli
1Laboratory of Epidemiology,Neuroimaging and Telemedicine, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio-FBF, via Pilastroni 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy. papers@centroAlzheimer.it
Journal of Neurology
|February 28, 2006
Summary
White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are common in older adults. Frontal WMHs correlate with frontal gray matter loss, while posterior WMHs show more diffuse gray matter atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are frequently observed in elderly individuals.
- Understanding the biological consequences of WMHs is crucial for aging brain research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the location of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and regional gray matter loss.
- To determine if specific WMH locations are associated with distinct patterns of brain atrophy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized voxel-based morphometry and statistical parametric mapping on high-resolution MRI scans.
- Compared neurologically intact individuals with anterior WMHs, posterior WMHs, and no WMHs.
Main Results:
- Individuals with predominantly frontal WMHs exhibited bilateral frontal gray matter atrophy.
- Those with mainly posterior WMHs showed more diffuse atrophy, impacting frontal and right insular regions.
Conclusions:
- Frontal white matter hyperintensities are linked to localized frontal gray matter damage.
- Posterior white matter hyperintensities appear to have a less localized, more diffuse effect on gray matter integrity.
