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White matter MRI hyperintensities in a hundred and twenty-nine consecutive migraine patients
N Pavese1, R Canapicchi, A Nuti
1Institute of Clinical Neurology, University of Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
The most frequently reported abnormal MRI finding in migraine is the presence of high signal white matter foci (WMF) on long TR images. Recently, WMF have been distinguished in periventricular WMF (PVF), when contiguous to ventricles, and deep WMF (DF), when far from these. DF, but not PVF, appear positively correlated with cerebrovascular risk factors and are called leukoaraiosis. In this study the MRI examination was performed in 129 consecutive migraine patients (83 of them had migraine without aura and 46 migraine with aura). In 19.3% of the migraineurs studied we observed WMF on T2 weighted images strictly localized in the deep white matter (DF). No PVF were observed. These findings were independent of the type of migraine and did not correlate with age, sex, disease duration, or frequency of attacks. The presence in a subgroup of migraineurs of leukoaraiosis (DF), for which a vascular genesis has been hypothesized, suggests that migraine could represent, a cerebrovascular risk factor in these patients.
Insights
Migraine patients frequently show white matter foci (WMF) on MRI scans. Deep white matter foci (DF), a type of leukoaraiosis, were found in 19.3% of migraineurs, suggesting migraine may be a cerebrovascular risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- White matter foci (WMF) on MRI are common in migraineurs.
- WMF are categorized as periventricular (PVF) or deep (DF).
- Deep white matter foci (leukoaraiosis) are linked to cerebrovascular risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of white matter foci in migraine patients.
- To determine if WMF in migraineurs correlate with clinical factors.
- To explore the potential cerebrovascular implications of WMF in migraine.
Main Methods:
- MRI scans were performed on 129 consecutive migraine patients.
- Patients were categorized by migraine type (with or without aura).
- WMF were analyzed for location (PVF vs. DF) and correlation with demographics and disease parameters.
Main Results:
- Deep white matter foci (DF) were observed in 19.3% of migraineurs.
- No periventricular WMF (PVF) were detected.
- The presence of DF was independent of migraine type, age, sex, disease duration, or attack frequency.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that migraineurs can exhibit leukoaraiosis (DF).
- The vascular genesis of DF indicates migraine may be a cerebrovascular risk factor.
- Further research is warranted to understand the link between migraine and cerebrovascular health.