Spatial Distribution of White-Matter Hyperintensities in Alzheimer Disease, Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, and Healthy Aging

• DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.107.497438
• Publication Date: 2008-02-22T02:32:39Z
• Authors: Christopher M. Ho...; Eric E. Smith; Istvan Csapo; Mahmut Edip Gurol; Douglas A. Brylka; Ronald J. Killiany; Deborah Blacker; Marilyn S. Albert; Charles R.G. Gutt...; Steven M. Greenberg
• Keywords: Stroke; Amyloid (mycology)

Background and Purpose— White-matter hyperintensities (WMHs) detected by magnetic resonance imaging are thought to represent the effects of cerebral small-vessel disease neurodegenerative changes. We sought determine whether spatial distribution WMHs discriminates between different groups healthy aging individuals these distributions related local perfusion patterns. Methods— examined pattern T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery–weighted in 3 subjects: amyloid angiopathy (n=32), Alzheimer or mild cognitive impairment (n=41), (n=29). WMH frequency maps were calculated for each group, compared voxel-wise logistic regression. also analyzed as a function normal patterns overlaying single photon emission computed tomography atlas. Results— Although volume was greater disease/mild than aging, there no consistent difference when controlling total volume. Hyperintensities most frequent deep periventricular WM all groups. A strong inverse correlation hyperintensity demonstrated groups, demonstrating that common regions relatively lower perfusion. Conclusions— show predilection with atlas-derived perfusion, regardless underlying diagnosis. These data suggest across diverse processes, injury may occur reflects tissue properties, such relative