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Plasma inflammatory biomarkers in cerebral small vessel disease: A review
Shuling Wan1,2, Chaitu Dandu3, Guangyu Han1,2
1Department of Neurology, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Insights
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) involves brain changes seen on MRI, often linked to inflammation. This review explores how blood inflammatory markers correlate with these MRI findings in CSVD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a prevalent condition in older adults, significantly contributing to cerebrovascular diseases.
- CSVD is associated with various neurological deficits, including stroke, cognitive decline, and gait disturbances.
- Current understanding of CSVD pathophysiology highlights a potential role for inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between plasma inflammatory biomarkers and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features of CSVD.
- To synthesize current knowledge on inflammation's role in CSVD.
- To establish a foundation for future research into CSVD and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating plasma inflammatory biomarkers and CSVD.
- Analysis of MRI findings characteristic of CSVD, such as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs).
- Correlation analysis between specific inflammatory markers and observed MRI pathologies.
Main Results:
- Several plasma inflammatory biomarkers show correlations with specific MRI manifestations of CSVD.
- Inflammatory processes appear to be integral to the development and progression of CSVD.
- The review identifies key biomarkers and MRI features requiring further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Plasma inflammatory biomarkers are linked to the MRI-defined features of cerebral small vessel disease.
- Inflammation is a critical factor in CSVD pathogenesis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
Abstract:
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a group of pathological processes affecting small arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and small veins of the brain. It is one of the most common subtypes of cerebrovascular diseases, especially highly prevalent in elderly populations, and is associated with stroke occurrence and recurrence, cognitive impairment, gait disorders, psychological disturbance, and dysuria. Its diagnosis mainly depends on MRI, characterized by recent small subcortical infarcts, lacunes, white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and brain atrophy. While the pathophysiological processes of CSVD are not fully understood at present, inflammation is noticed as playing an important role. Herein, we aimed to review the relationship between plasma inflammatory biomarkers and the MRI features of CSVD, to provide background for further research.
