Small vessel disease - radiological feature and clinical implications

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroimaging
• Vascular Neurology

Background:

• Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is prevalent in elderly individuals and a known risk factor for stroke, cognitive decline, gait impairment, and mood disturbances.
• Clinical manifestations of SVD can vary significantly despite similar neuroimaging findings.
• The Standards for Reporting Vascular Changes on Neuroimaging (STRIVE) initiative provides standardized terminology for SVD features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the effects of SVD on brain connectivity.
• To discuss the radiological and clinical implications of SVD, focusing on cognitive and behavioral disturbances.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on SVD.
• Synthesis of findings regarding SVD's impact on structural and functional brain connectivity.
• Analysis of radiological and clinical implications, particularly cognitive and behavioral aspects.

Main Results:

• SVD affects both structural and functional brain connectivity.
• Radiological features of SVD have significant clinical implications.
• Cognitive and behavioral disturbances are key clinical manifestations of SVD.

Conclusions:

• SVD has a profound impact on brain connectivity and function.
• Standardized reporting of SVD is crucial for understanding its clinical impact.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between SVD, connectivity, and clinical outcomes.