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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
High sensitivity C-reactive protein and cerebral white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging in
Aynur Yilmaz Avci1, Hatice Lakadamyali2, Serap Arikan3
1Department of Neurology, Baskent University, Saray Mah, Yunusemre cad, No. 1, Alanya-Antalya, 07400, Ankara, Turkey. yilmazaynur@yahoo.com.
Background:
Migraine is a common headache disorder that may be associated with vascular disease and cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation that may predict subclinical atherosclerosis. However, the relation between migraine, vascular risks, and WMHs is unknown. We evaluated hs-CRP levels and the relation between hs-CRP level and WMHs in adult migraine patients.
Methods:
This case-control study included 432 subjects (216 migraine patients [without aura, 143 patients; with aura, 73 patients]; 216 healthy control subjects without migraine; age range 18-50 y). Migraine diagnosis was determined according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders II diagnostic criteria. The migraine patients and control subjects had no known vascular risk factors, inflammatory disease, or comorbid disease. The presence and number of WMHs on MRI scans were determined, and serum hs-CRP levels were measured by latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetry.
Results:
Mean hs-CRP level was significantly greater in migraine patients (1.94 ± 2.03 mg/L) than control subjects (0.82 ± 0.58 mg/L; P ≤ .0001). The mean number of WMHs per subject and the presence of WMHs was significantly greater in migraine patients (69 patients [31.9%]; 1.68 ± 3.12 mg/dL) than control subjects (21 subjects [9.7%]; 0.3 ± 1.3; P ≤ .001). However, there was no correlation between hs-CRP level and WMHs in migraine patients (r = 0.024; not significant). The presence of WMHs was increased 4.35-fold in migraine patients (odds ratio 4.35, P ≤ .001).
Conclusions:
High hs-CRP level may be a marker of the proinflammatory state in migraine patients. However, the absence of correlation between hs-CRP level and WMHs suggests that hs-CRP is not causally involved in the pathogenesis of WMHs in migraine patients. The WMHs were located mostly in the frontal lobe and subcortical area.
Insights
High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels are elevated in migraine patients, indicating inflammation. However, hs-CRP does not appear to be causally linked to white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Inflammation Research
- Vascular Disease
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder.
- Migraine may be associated with vascular disease and cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs).
- High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation and predictor of atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hs-CRP levels in adult migraine patients.
- To investigate the relationship between hs-CRP levels and WMHs in migraine patients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 432 subjects (216 migraine patients, 216 controls).
- Migraine diagnosis according to International Classification of Headache Disorders II criteria.
- MRI scans to assess WMHs; serum hs-CRP levels measured by latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetry.
Main Results:
- Mean hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in migraine patients (1.94 mg/L) than controls (0.82 mg/L).
- The presence and number of WMHs were significantly greater in migraine patients compared to controls.
- No correlation was found between hs-CRP levels and WMHs in migraine patients.
Conclusions:
- Elevated hs-CRP may indicate a proinflammatory state in migraine.
- hs-CRP is not causally involved in the pathogenesis of WMHs in migraine patients.
- WMHs in migraine patients were predominantly located in the frontal lobe and subcortical areas.
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