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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
A Versatile Murine Model of Subcortical White Matter Stroke for the Study of Axonal Degeneration and White Matter Neurobiology
Published on: March 17, 2016
Recent Advances in Leukoaraiosis: White Matter Structural Integrity and Functional Outcomes after Acute Ischemic
Mark R Etherton1,2,3, Ona Wu1,3,4, Natalia S Rost5,6,7
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Leukoaraiosis, a radiographic marker of cerebral small vessel disease detected on T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as white matter hyperintensity (WMH), is a key contributor to the risk and severity of acute cerebral ischemia. Prior investigations have emphasized the pathophysiology of WMH development and progression; however, more recently, an association between WMH burden and functional outcomes after stroke has emerged. There is growing evidence that WMH represents macroscopic injury to the white matter and that the extent of WMH burden on MRI influences functional recovery in multiple domains following acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this review, we discuss the current understanding of WMH pathogenesis and its impact on AIS and functional recovery.
Insights
White matter hyperintensity (WMH), a marker of small vessel disease, impacts acute ischemic stroke (AIS) severity and recovery. This review explores WMH pathogenesis and its influence on functional outcomes after AIS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Leukoaraiosis, visualized as white matter hyperintensity (WMH) on MRI, signifies cerebral small vessel disease.
- WMH is a critical factor influencing the risk and severity of acute cerebral ischemia (AIS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis of WMH.
- To discuss the impact of WMH burden on functional recovery following AIS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on WMH and AIS.
- Analysis of the association between WMH extent and functional outcomes post-stroke.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence links WMH burden to impaired functional recovery in various domains after AIS.
- WMH represents macroscopic white matter injury, affecting post-stroke outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding WMH pathogenesis is crucial for predicting and managing AIS outcomes.
- The extent of WMH significantly influences neurological function and recovery after ischemic stroke.
