Diagnostic value of high signal abnormalities on T2 weighted MRI in the differentiation of Alzheimer's, frontotemporal and vascular dementias

• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2002.01147.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T02:29:19Z
• Authors: A. R. Varma; R. Laitt; J. J. Lloyd; K. J. Carson; J. S. Snowden; D. Neary; A. Jackson
• Keywords: Vascular dementia

The occurrence of high signal abnormalities on T2 weighted images is strongly age related. diagnostic value these changes in a younger population with dementia not currently known. We studied the potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) differentiating Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal (FTD) and vascular (VaD) patients.High were rated, using previously validated scale, from hard copies axial 102 patients AD (n=49), VaD (n=31), FTD (n=22) (mean ages 63-65 years).High widespread across AD, FTD. Although they most frequent severe group only lacunes grade III deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) specific for MRI are common degenerative (AD FTD) dementias. DWMH VaD, low sensitivities (sensitivities: lacunes, 0.32; DWMH, 0.16) limit their use as markers VaD. High should be interpreted caution Their presence, even patients, deter one diagnosing or