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Neuroradiology

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01-06-2008 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

The venous manifestations of pulse wave encephalopathy: windkessel dysfunction in normal aging and senile dementia

Authors: Grant A. Bateman, Christopher R. Levi, Peter Schofield, Yang Wang, Elizabeth C. Lovett

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 6/2008

Abstract

Introduction

Cerebral arterial, venous and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsations are closely coupled and this produces pulsation dampening or the windkessel effect. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a manifestation of the breakdown of this windkessel effect with altered CSF and venous pulsations being noted. The aim of this study was to show that dysfunction of the windkessel mechanism is also a component of normal aging and senile dementia.

Methods

The study group comprised 24 patients classified as either early senile dementia of Alzheimer’s type (SDAT) or vascular dementia (VaD). The patients with dementia were compared with 12 age-matched non-cognitively impaired subjects, and 12 normal young individuals were compared with the normal aging group. MRI flow quantification was used to measure the nonpulsatile and pulsatile components of blood flow as well as the pulsation at the tentorial incisura.

Results

With normal aging blood flow decreased but arterial pulsations increased in volume by 49% (P = 0.003). The CSF vented via the tentorial incisura does not change significantly with age and therefore increased venous pulsation is necessary. In patients with VaD the arterial pulse volume was higher by 24% and the straight sinus pulsation was higher by 57% than in normal aging subjects (P = 0.05 and P = 0.03, respectively). In patients with SDAT the total venous pulsation volumes were similar to those in normal aging subjects but there was less basal sinus pulsation.

Conclusion

Normal aging, SDAT and VaD are associated with alterations in venous pulsation due to a breakdown of the windkessel effect.

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Title: The venous manifestations of pulse wave encephalopathy: windkessel dysfunction in normal aging and senile dementia
Authors: Grant A. Bateman
Christopher R. Levi
Peter Schofield
Yang Wang
Elizabeth C. Lovett
Publication date: 01-06-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 6/2008
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-008-0374-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The venous manifestations of pulse wave encephalopathy: windkessel dysfunction in normal aging and senile dementia

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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