Spatial patterns of white matter hyperintensities: a systematic review.
Jonas Botz1,2, Valerie Lohner3, Markus D Schirmer1,4
1Computational Neuroradiology, Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
|May 30, 2023
Summary
Analyzing spatial patterns of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) offers deeper insights into neurological conditions. Understanding WMH distribution is key to diagnosing and managing small vessel disease and related cognitive impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Cerebrovascular Disease
Background:
- White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are key indicators of cerebral small vessel disease.
- WMH are visible as bright spots on T2-weighted MRI scans.
- Previous research linked WMH volume to cognitive decline, neurological diseases, and risk factors like hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence associating spatial patterns of WMH with risk factors and clinical diagnoses.
- To move beyond single-metric assessments (e.g., volume) of WMH burden.
- To explore the significance of WMH location and distribution.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Literature search on PubMed using specific neuroimaging criteria for vascular changes.
- Inclusion of English-language studies up to January 31st, 2023, focusing on spatial patterns of presumed vascular WMH.
Main Results:
- 41 studies met inclusion criteria from an initial 380.
- Included cohorts covered mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and subjective cognitive decline.
- Spatial heterogeneity of WMH was linked to various cognitive impairments, diseases, pathologies, sex, and cerebrovascular risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Examining WMH spatial patterns provides a more detailed understanding of underlying neuropathology.
- Further research into WMH spatial distribution is warranted.
- Granular analysis of WMH may enhance understanding of their clinical impact.
