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Association between arterial stiffness and cerebral white matter lesions in community-dwelling elderly subjects

Takahiro Ohmine1, Yoshikazu Miwa, Hiroshi Yao

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fuuoka, Japan.

Hypertension Research : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension
|March 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Increased arterial stiffness, measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV), is linked to periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) in elderly individuals. This suggests arterial stiffness contributes to PVH development, a marker for vascular dementia and stroke risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) on MRI are potential indicators of vascular dementia and stroke.
  • Understanding the link between arterial stiffness and WML subtypes is crucial for early detection and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between arterial stiffness and two subtypes of WMLs: periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and deep white matter lesions (DWML).
  • To assess if brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) can serve as a marker for cerebral arterial dysfunction in relation to WMLs.

Main Methods:

  • Brain MRI was used to identify and evaluate PVH and DWML in 132 elderly asymptomatic subjects.
  • Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) was measured to assess arterial stiffness.
  • Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of WMLs.

Main Results:

  • PVH was present in 31.0% and DWML in 40.2% of subjects.
  • Higher ba-PWV values were significantly associated with the presence of PVH.
  • Arterial stiffness (ba-PWV) was an independent predictor of PVH, but not DWML.

Conclusions:

  • Increased arterial stiffness is a significant contributing factor to the development of PVH, but not DWML.
  • Measurement of ba-PWV is a practical tool for identifying cerebral arterial dysfunction.
  • Further research is needed to differentiate the pathogenesis of WML subtypes.

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