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01-12-2019 | Neuro

Structural and functional MRI correlates of T2 hyperintensities of brain white matter in young neurologically asymptomatic adults

Authors: Miloš Keřkovský, Jakub Stulík, Marek Dostál, Matyáš Kuhn, Jan Lošák, Petra Praksová, Monika Hulová, Josef Bednařík, Andrea Šprláková-Puková, Marek Mechl

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 12/2019

Abstract

Objectives

Although white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are quite commonly found incidentally, their aetiology, structural characteristics, and functional consequences are not entirely known. The purpose of this study was to quantify WMHs in a sample of young, neurologically asymptomatic adults and evaluate the structural and functional correlations of lesion load with changes in brain volume, diffusivity, and functional connectivity.

Methods

MRI brain scan using multimodal protocol was performed in 60 neurologically asymptomatic volunteers (21 men, 39 women, mean age 34.5 years). WMHs were manually segmented in 3D FLAIR images and counted automatically. The number and volume of WMHs were correlated with brain volume, resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. Diffusion parameters measured within WMHs and normally appearing white matter (NAWM) were compared.

Results

At least 1 lesion was found in 40 (67%) subjects, median incidence was 1 lesion (interquartile range [IQR] = 4.5), and median volume was 86.82 (IQR = 227.23) mm³. Neither number nor volume of WMHs correlated significantly with total brain volume or volumes of white and grey matter. Mean diffusivity values within WMHs were significantly higher compared with those for NAWM, but none of the diffusion parameters of NAWM were significantly correlated with WMH load. Both the number and volume of WMHs were correlated with the changes of functional connectivity between several regions of the brain, mostly decreased connectivity of the cerebellum.

Conclusions

WMHs are commonly found even in young, neurologically asymptomatic adults. Their presence is not associated with brain atrophy or global changes of diffusivity, but the increasing number and volume of these lesions correlate with changes of brain connectivity, and especially that of the cerebellum.

Key Points

• White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are commonly found in young, neurologically asymptomatic adults.

• The presence of WMHs is not associated with brain atrophy or global changes of white matter diffusivity.

• The increasing number and volume of WMHs correlate with changes of brain connectivity, and especially with that of the cerebellum.

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Title: Structural and functional MRI correlates of T2 hyperintensities of brain white matter in young neurologically asymptomatic adults
Authors: Miloš Keřkovský
Jakub Stulík
Marek Dostál
Matyáš Kuhn
Jan Lošák
Petra Praksová
Monika Hulová
Josef Bednařík
Andrea Šprláková-Puková
Marek Mechl
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 12/2019
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-019-06268-8

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Springer Medicine

Structural and functional MRI correlates of T2 hyperintensities of brain white matter in young neurologically asymptomatic adults

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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