Leukoaraiosis is an abnormality of white matter primarily identified on neuroimaging studies.
Pathogenesis: stenosis or occlusion of small perforating vessels (thalamostriate, etc.) causing hypoxic-ischemic injury
Appearance on neuroimaging studies: hypodense or hyperintense areas in the white matter. primarily periventricular or subcortical. These may be multifocal or diffuse.
Risk factors:
(1) age > 60 years
(2) female gender
(3) hypertension
(4) heart disease
(5) type 2 diabetes
(6) obesity
(7) hyperlipidemia
(8) hyperhomocystinemia
(9) carotid stenosis
(10) diffuse atherosclerosis
Clinical findings in patients with leukoaraiosis may include:
(1) motor deficits
(2) parkinsonism
(3) pseudobulbar syndrome
(4) cognitive impairment
Leukoaraiosis is associated with:
(1) increased risk of stroke or TIA
(2) increased risk of stroke complications
(3) increased risk of acute myocardial infarction
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