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Published on: July 19, 2019
White matter hyperintensities in patients with multiple system atrophy
Maiko Umoto1, Hideto Miwa, Ryuki Ando
1Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8510, Japan.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
|August 27, 2011
Summary
White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are more common in multiple system atrophy (MSA) than in Parkinson's disease or controls. Age and blood pressure fluctuations are key contributing factors to WMHs in MSA.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Cerebrovascular Diseases
Background:
- White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are common in the elderly but their role in neurodegenerative disorders remains unclear.
- Understanding WMHs in multiple system atrophy (MSA) is crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify WMHs in patients with MSA.
- To identify predisposing factors for WMHs in MSA.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRIs of patients with MSA, Parkinson's disease (PD), and age-matched controls were analyzed by blinded raters.
- Clinical characteristics were statistically correlated with WMH scores.
Main Results:
- WMHs were significantly greater in MSA patients compared to PD patients and controls.
- No significant differences in lacunar or territorial infarcts were observed.
- Age, supine systolic blood pressure, and orthostatic blood pressure drop independently correlated with WMH scores in MSA.
Conclusions:
- White matter is differentially affected in MSA.
- Aging and cerebral hypoperfusion due to blood pressure fluctuations are significant contributors to WMHs in MSA.
- Oligodendrocyte degeneration may also play a role in WMH development.
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