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[Diffuse bilateral periventricular hyperintensity of unknown origin on MRI spin-echo sequence. Cognitive function and
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Nihon Ika Daigaku Zasshi
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Diffuse periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) on MRI in elderly patients may stem from various causes, differing from Binswanger's disease. Severity of PVH correlates with cognitive impairment and reduced cerebral blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Geriatrics
Context:
- Elderly patients often exhibit periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- The pathogenesis and clinical significance of diffuse PVH are not fully understood.
- Binswanger's disease is a known cause of white matter changes, but other factors may contribute.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between diffuse periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) on MRI and cognitive function.
- To assess regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in relation to PVH severity and cognitive status.
- To explore potential differences in pathogenesis compared to classical Binswanger's disease.
Summary:
- 26 elderly patients with diffuse PVH were classified by severity (Group A: severe, Group B: less severe) and cognitive impairment (Stage 1-3).
- Severe PVH (Group A) strongly correlated with severe cognitive impairment (Stage 3) and hypoperfusion on SPECT.
- Less severe PVH (Group B) showed varied cognitive stages and rCBF, suggesting diverse underlying causes, distinct from Binswanger's disease, though younger hypertensive patients exhibited similar deterioration patterns.
Impact:
- Findings suggest multiple etiologies for diffuse PVH in the elderly.
- Highlights the association between PVH severity, cognitive decline, and reduced cerebral blood flow.
- Contributes to differentiating PVH from classical Binswanger's disease in geriatric populations.