Related Experiment Videos
MRI deep white matter hyperintensity in a psychiatric population.
R F Deicken1, V I Reus, L Manfredi
1University of California School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco 94143.
Biological Psychiatry
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH) is more common in psychiatric patients than healthy individuals. DWMH in psychiatric patients is linked to age and cardiovascular issues, even after accounting for age.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Cardiology
Background:
- Deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH) is a common finding on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- The clinical significance of DWMH in psychiatric populations is not fully understood.
- Previous research suggests DWMH may be associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical correlates of DWMH in adult psychiatric inpatients.
- To compare DWMH findings in psychiatric patients with age-matched healthy controls.
- To determine if DWMH is associated with specific clinical factors in psychiatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess DWMH in 90 adult psychiatric inpatients and 25 healthy controls.
- Data on patient demographics, medical history, and neurological examinations were collected.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare DWMH prevalence and identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- DWMH was found in 42% of psychiatric patients and 12% of controls.
- Both the incidence and severity of DWMH were significantly correlated with age in both groups.
- In psychiatric patients, DWMH remained significantly associated with hypertension, history of myocardial infarction or angina, abnormal electrocardiogram, and abnormal neurological examinations, even after controlling for age.
Conclusions:
- DWMH is more prevalent in adult psychiatric inpatients compared to healthy controls.
- Age is a significant factor influencing DWMH incidence and severity in both populations.
- DWMH in psychiatric patients is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and neurological abnormalities, suggesting potential shared pathophysiological mechanisms.