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Published on: July 19, 2019
White matter hyperintensities in patients with multiple system atrophy.
Tae Sung Lim1, Phil Hyu Lee, Ho Sung Kim
1Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea.
Journal of Neurology
|May 27, 2009
Summary
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients exhibit more severe white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in the brain. Supine systolic blood pressure is a key factor contributing to WMH severity in MSA, indicating potential brain damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is often associated with hypertensive heart disease.
- The impact of autonomic failure on brain structure in MSA remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cerebrovascular lesions between MSA patients and healthy controls.
- To identify predisposing factors for cerebrovascular lesions in MSA.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of 63 MSA patients and 63 age-/sex-matched healthy controls.
- Assessment of lacunae, territorial infarcts, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) grading.
- Correlation and regression analyses to identify contributing factors for WMH.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in lacunae or territorial infarcts between groups.
- MSA patients showed significantly higher WMH grading scores compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- WMH severity in MSA correlated strongly with supine systolic blood pressure (r = 0.529, P < 0.001) and age.
Conclusions:
- Patients with MSA exhibit more severe white matter hyperintensities.
- Supine systolic blood pressure is a significant independent factor contributing to WMH severity in MSA.
- These findings suggest potential target-organ damage in the brain of MSA patients.
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