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White matter lesions progression in migraine with aura: a clinical and MRI longitudinal study
Lavinia Dinia1, Laura Bonzano, Beatrice Albano
1Department of Neurosciences, Ophthalmology, and Genetics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Objective:
To prospectively evaluate longitudinal changes in white matter lesions (WMLs) in migraineurs with aura, by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to correlate WMLs modifications with patients' clinical characteristics.
Methods:
Forty-one consecutive migraineurs with aura were followed for a mean time of 33.2 months. Patients underwent MRI at baseline and follow-up and were evaluated for cerebrovascular risk factors. Presence of WMLs on MRI was assessed by two neuroradiologists.
Results:
WMLs were present in 26 subjects (63.4%) at baseline MRI. At follow-up a total of 8 patients had new WMLs (19.5%). There was a significant correlation between aura duration and number of new WMLs, and between the number of migraine attacks with aura and new WMLs.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrates that in migraine with aura WMLs number can progress over time and suggests an association between aura features and WMLs progression. Studies with a higher number of patients are required to confirm these findings.
Insights
White matter lesions (WMLs) can progress over time in individuals with migraine with aura. Aura duration and frequency of attacks correlate with the development of new WMLs, suggesting a link between migraine features and lesion progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Migraine Research
Background:
- White matter lesions (WMLs) are frequently observed in migraineurs.
- Longitudinal changes in WMLs in migraine with aura are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate longitudinal changes in WMLs in migraineurs with aura using MRI.
- To correlate WML modifications with clinical characteristics of migraine with aura.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 41 migraineurs with aura over a mean of 33.2 months.
- Serial MRI scans at baseline and follow-up to assess WMLs.
- Evaluation of cerebrovascular risk factors and clinical characteristics.
Main Results:
- WMLs were present in 63.4% of subjects at baseline.
- New WMLs developed in 19.5% of patients by follow-up.
- Significant correlation found between aura duration/frequency and new WMLs.
Conclusions:
- WMLs can progress over time in migraine with aura.
- Aura features are associated with WML progression.
- Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
