Volumetric analyses of cerebral white matter hyperintensity lesions on magnetic resonance imaging in a Japanese population undergoing medical check-up.

Abstract

To clarify growth patterns, spatial distribution and risk factors of cerebral white matter hyperintensity (WMH) lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed volumes of cerebral WMH lesions in those who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging as a hospital-based health check-up in 2012 and 2013 by using a computational quantitative image analysis software (Software for NeuroImage Processing in Experimental Research). After excluding subjects not suitable for volumetric analyses because of pathological brain conditions, a total of 1047 healthy participants (mean age 56.6 years) were included for the analyses. First, the relationship of computational volumetry and conventional qualitative visual evaluation by Shinohara grading was evaluated. Volumes of WMH lesions were analyzed according to age and the different cerebral lobes. Finally, clinical risk factors associated with WMH lesions were assessed. Volumes of WMH lesions were significantly correlated with Shinohara grading (P < 0.001). WMH lesions significantly enlarged with aging (P < 0.001) except for the occipital lobe, especially in participants aged 50 years or older. Age and systolic blood pressure were significantly related to volumes of WMH lesions in all the lobes, whereas diastolic blood pressure was not related only in the occipital lobe. Based on computational quantitative volumetric analyses, cerebral WMH lesions increased with age, and were associated with blood pressure. However, the occipital lobe was the only exception to these findings.