MRI Features and Site-specific Factors of Ischemic Changes in White Matter: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• White matter changes (WMCs) are frequently observed in elderly individuals via brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• There is considerable individual variability in the presentation and extent of these WMCs.
• Understanding the MRI features and location-specific factors of ischemic WMCs is crucial for clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of ischemic white matter changes (WMCs).
• To identify site-specific factors associated with the severity and distribution of WMCs.
• To explore independent risk factors for severe WMCs in patients with ischemic cerebral vascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of clinical data and brain MRI scans from consecutive patients diagnosed with ischemic cerebral vascular disease.
• Multi-logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent associations with mild versus severe WMCs.
• Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to detect regionally specific differences in lesion distribution.

Main Results:

• Ischemic WMCs predominantly occurred in the frontal lobe and parieto-occipital areas, with the infratentorial area being least affected.
• Independent risk factors for severe WMCs included age, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
• Age was strongly associated with frontal lobe WMCs, while hypertension correlated with WMCs in the basal ganglia and infratentorial regions.

Conclusions:

• Brain MRI reveals that ischemic WMCs are most prevalent in the frontal and parieto-occipital regions.
• Age is a significant factor for frontal lobe WMCs, whereas hypertension is linked to WMCs in the basal ganglia and infratentorial areas.
• These findings highlight distinct patterns and risk factors for WMCs based on location and patient characteristics.