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Magnetic resonance imaging in vascular dementia
Neurology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
In patients with cerebrovascular disease, enlarged cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces on MRI were more common in those with dementia. White matter lesions were prevalent in both demented and nondemented individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Vascular dementia is associated with white matter lesions visible on MRI.
- Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is a common cause of vascular dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in MRI findings between demented and nondemented patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
- To determine if enlarged cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces or white matter lesions correlate with dementia in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed on 34 patients.
- Patients had documented ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
- MRI findings were analyzed for enlarged CSF spaces and white matter lesions.
Main Results:
- All eight demented patients exhibited white matter lesions.
- White matter lesions were also common in nondemented and borderline patients.
- Enlargement of central CSF spaces was significantly more frequent in demented patients.
Conclusions:
- Enlarged central CSF spaces are a key radiographic indicator differentiating demented from nondemented patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
- While white matter lesions are common, they are not specific to dementia in this population.