Correlation between computed tomography findings of leukoaraiosis and 24-hour blood pressure variability in elderly...

Leukoaraiosis (LA) has been defined as low attenuation areas involving only the periventricular white matter, in the mild form, and extending to the subcortical region in the severe form. This study evaluates, in elderly patients, if brain computed tomography (CT) evidence of LA significantly correlates with the findings of 24-hour, blood pressure monitoring.

Sixtysix neurologically nondiseased elderly patients underwent CT examination of the brain and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The patients were divided in two groups (patients with none-to-mild LA in group 1; patients with severe LA in group 2) based on CT findings evaluated at level of foramina of Monro, body of lateral ventricles, and frontoparietal white matter (centrum semiovale). CT findings were compared with main 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring results (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate values).

Patients with severe LA showed a wider variability both in blood pressure and heart rate; in particular, major oscillations were found during the nighttime period. No significant 24-hour blood pressure variability was found in group 1.

Increased blood pressure variability can play a role in the pathogenesis of LA.