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[A comparison of MRT and SPECT findings in patients with cerebral microangiopathy]
W Reiche1, C Weiller, R Weigmann
1Klinik für Nuklearmedizin, RWTH Aachen, FRG.
Abstract:
Lacunar infarctions and periventricular hypodensity are assumed to be typical CT patterns of cerebral microangiopathy (MA). In 17 patients with such findings and in 6 controls without any signs of central nervous system disease cranial CT, MRT and 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT were employed. Seven patients with CT findings of minor MA demonstrated in comparison to controls no significant difference. In 10 cases with CT findings of pronounced MA periventricular rCBF was significantly reduced compared to controls. rCBF of temporal and parietal cortex was not diminished compared to controls. In 14 patients studied with MRT deep white matter lesions were found which appeared solitary, multiple or confluent. Employing 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT, cerebral MA revealed rCBF reduction in periventricular brain tissue by cerebellar standardization.
Insights
Cerebral microangiopathy (MA) patients with pronounced CT findings show reduced periventricular blood flow. Deep white matter lesions were also observed, indicating potential neurological impact.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cerebral microangiopathy (MA) is often associated with lacunar infarctions and periventricular hypodensity on CT scans.
- These CT findings are considered typical indicators of MA, necessitating further investigation into associated physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between CT-defined cerebral microangiopathy (MA) patterns and cerebral blood flow (rCBF) using SPECT.
- To identify deep white matter lesions associated with MA using MRI.
- To compare imaging and blood flow findings in patients with MA against healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Cranial CT, MRI, and 99mTc-HMPAO-SPECT were performed on 17 patients with suspected MA and 6 healthy controls.
- Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was assessed using SPECT, with cerebellar standardization.
- Deep white matter lesions were evaluated using MRI.
Main Results:
- Patients with minor CT signs of MA showed no significant differences compared to controls.
- Patients with pronounced CT signs of MA exhibited significantly reduced periventricular rCBF compared to controls.
- MRI revealed deep white matter lesions in 14 patients, appearing as solitary, multiple, or confluent lesions.
Conclusions:
- Pronounced CT findings of cerebral microangiopathy (MA) correlate with reduced periventricular cerebral blood flow (rCBF).
- Deep white matter lesions are a common finding in patients with MA, detectable by MRI.
- SPECT imaging can identify rCBF reductions in periventricular brain tissue in cerebral MA.