Classification and characterization of periventricular and deep white matter hyperintensities on MRI: A study in older adults

• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.03.024
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15T18:47:37Z
• Authors: Ludovica Griffanti; Mark Jenkinson; Sana Suri; Enikő Zsoldos; Abda Mahmood; Nicola Filippini; Claire E Sexton; Anya Topiwala; Charlotte Allan; Mika Kivimäki; Archana Singh-Manoux; Klaus P. Ebmeier; Clare E. Mackay; Giovanna Zamboni
• Keywords: Male; Aging; Cognitive Neuroscience; Age Factors; Leukoaraiosis; Neuroimaging; Middle Aged; Body Mass Index; Cohort Studies; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Neurology; Hypertension; Humans; Cognitive Dysfunction; Female; Aged

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are frequently divided into periventricular (PWMH) and deep (DWMH), the two classes have been associated with different cognitive, microstructural, clinical correlates. However, although this distinction is widely used in visual ratings scales, how to best anatomically define still disputed. In fact, methods PWMH DWMH vary significantly between studies, making results difficult compare. The purpose of study was twofold: first, compare four current criteria a cohort healthy older adults (mean age: 69.58 ± 5.33 years) by quantifying possible differences terms estimated volumes; second, explore associations WMH sub-classes cognition, tissue microstructure cardiovascular risk factors, analysing impact on specific associations. Our suggest that classification criterion for definition should not be considered major obstacle comparison studies. We observed higher load reduced cognitive function, mean arterial pressure age. Higher body mass index. lower fractional anisotropy than DWMH, which also more heterogeneous microstructure. These findings support hypothesis entities their can provide useful information about pathological aging processes.