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Brain MRI white matter lesions in migraine patients: is there a relationship with antiphospholipid antibodies and
D Intiso1, F Di Rienzo, G Rinaldi
1Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, Scientific Institute, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, S. Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy. do.intiso@tiscali.it
Abstract:
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in migraine patients have demonstrated lesions consisting of focal regions of increased signal intensity within the white matter. Antiphospholipid antibodies are known to have a role in many diseases including migraine. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the relationship between MRI-visualized cerebral focal hyperintense lesions and serum antiphospholipid antibody levels, as well as blood coagulation parameters in migraine patients. One hundred and two (77 females, 25 males, mean age 33.8 +/- 11.1) consecutive migraine patients and a control group of 94 (70 females, 24 males, mean age 33.2 +/- 10.8) healthy subjects were enrolled. All individuals underwent brain MRI. Complete blood examinations, autoantibodies, antiphospholipids antibodies including anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant (aCL, LAC), antithrombin III, Protein C and S serum levels were ascertained in the subjects who presented white matter lesions on MRI. Twenty-seven (26.4%) migraine patients and six (6.3%) healthy subjects in the control group showed focal regions of increased intensity signal within cerebral white matter (odds ratio 5.3, 95% CI: 1.98-16.36). In migraine patients with white matter lesions, antiphospholipid antibodies were not detected and serum levels of antithrombin III, and proteins C and S were normal. White matter lesions in migraine patients are fairly common. This finding is not associated with antiphospholipid antibodies or abnormal coagulation parameters. The significance of such lesions at present remains unclear.
Insights
White matter lesions are common in migraine patients but are not linked to antiphospholipid antibodies or blood clotting issues. Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance of these brain MRI findings in migraine.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies reveal white matter lesions in migraine patients.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies are implicated in various conditions, including migraine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cerebral white matter lesions visualized by MRI and serum antiphospholipid antibody levels in migraine patients.
- To explore the relationship between these lesions and blood coagulation parameters.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRI was performed on 102 migraine patients and 94 healthy controls.
- Blood examinations, including autoantibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin, lupus anticoagulant), antithrombin III, Protein C, and Protein S levels, were assessed in individuals with white matter lesions.
Main Results:
- Focal white matter lesions were observed in 26.4% of migraine patients and 6.3% of controls.
- Migraine patients with white matter lesions did not show detectable antiphospholipid antibodies or abnormal levels of antithrombin III, Protein C, or Protein S.
Conclusions:
- White matter lesions are a frequent finding in migraine patients.
- These lesions are not associated with antiphospholipid antibodies or abnormal coagulation parameters.
- The clinical significance of these white matter lesions in migraine remains undetermined.
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