BPV associated with imaging features of SSI on MRI

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Radiology

Background:

• Single small infarction (SSI) is a common finding on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Blood pressure variability (BPV) has been implicated in various cerebrovascular diseases.
• The relationship between BPV and imaging features of SSI requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between blood pressure variability (BPV) and imaging characteristics of single small infarction (SSI) using MRI.
• To compare BPV in patients with SSI versus healthy controls.
• To explore how different SSI features (size, shape, location) correlate with BPV.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 205 patients with SSI and 120 healthy controls.
• Blood pressure was monitored daily during hospitalization (7-10 days).
• Day-to-day, visit-to-visit, and 24-hour BPV parameters were analyzed and compared between groups and subgroups based on lesion characteristics.

Main Results:

• Patients with SSI exhibited significantly higher 24-hour, day-to-day, and visit-to-visit BPV compared to controls.
• Small lacunar infarcts showed higher BPV than giant lacunar infarcts.
• Non-round and deep small lesions were associated with significantly higher BPV parameters.

Conclusions:

• Elevated BPV, particularly day-to-day and visit-to-visit measures, is associated with single small infarction (SSI).
• Specific imaging features of SSI, such as small size and deep location, correlate with increased BPV.
• BPV may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying patients at risk for SSI with specific characteristics.