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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Kidney function is related to cerebral small vessel disease
M Arfan Ikram1, Meike W Vernooij, Albert Hofman
1Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Stroke
|December 1, 2007
Summary
Reduced kidney function is linked to brain small vessel disease markers on MRI scans. This study in elderly individuals found lower glomerular filtration rate correlated with white matter changes and reduced deep white matter volume.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Radiology
Background:
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key indicator of kidney function.
- Kidney disease is associated with glomerular small vessel disease.
- The kidney and brain share similar vascular bed hemodynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between kidney function (GFR) and cerebral small vessel disease markers.
- To explore this relationship in a population-based cohort of elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- 484 participants (60-90 years) from the Rotterdam Scan Study were analyzed.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation.
- Cerebral small vessel disease was assessed via MRI, measuring white matter lesions (WML), deep white matter volume, and lacunar infarcts.
Main Results:
- Lower GFR was associated with reduced deep white matter volume.
- Lower GFR correlated with increased white matter lesions (WML) volume.
- A trend towards more lacunar infarcts was observed with lower GFR, though not statistically significant.
- No significant association was found between GFR and gray matter volume or lobar white matter volume.
Conclusions:
- Impaired kidney function is significantly associated with cerebral small vessel disease.
- MRI markers of small vessel disease in the brain are linked to reduced kidney function.
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