Prevalence Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Articles

MR imaging of benign vulvar lesions: a pictorial essay.

Benign vulvar lesions can be difficult to differentiate with few publications on their imaging appearances. While many vulvar lesions may be clinically diagnosed and treated, more are being detected incidentally with the increasing prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis. In addition, clinicians may find imaging of benign vulvar lesions helpful for greater anatomical correlation. After reviewing the important MRI sequences for vulvar imaging and the anatomy of the vulva on MRI, this pictorial essay illustrates variety of cystic and solid benign vulvar lesions to familiarize radiologists with their common MRI appearances. Other miscellaneous pelvic lesions that can affect the vulva are also described.

Incidence of cerebral small vessel disease-related MR markers in the Swedish general population ‘Good Aging in Skåne’(GÅS) study

Background and objectivesCerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is associated to cognitive decline and dementia. Neuroimaging changes of CSVD are highly prevalent above 80 years. Only few studies report on incidence of CSVD in high age. We have investigated the incidence and prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of CSVD and risk factors in the general older population.MethodsAs part of the general population Good Aging in Skåne cohort study (GÅS), 241 persons (mean age 76.3 years) underwent two brain MRI, 3-T scanner with a mean interval of 5.9 years. The incidence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunar infarction, cerebral atrophies and cerebral microbleeds (CMB) were calculated and the relationship to risk factors analysed by a multivariate regression analysis. Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) was graded according to Scheltens’18 scale and CMB were defined as having > 1 small (0.2–0.5 cm) hypointense lesion.ResultsThe 6-year incidence of CMB, WMH and MTA were, 19%, 17% and 13% respectively, corresponding to 170/1,000 py., 172/1,000 py., and respectively 167/1,000 py. The incidence of CSVD according to the modified STRIVE score was 33%, 169/1,000 py and the prevalence at baseline was 73%. Moderate to high intake of alcohol was related to increased incidence of MTA and higher STRIVE score. Exposure to smoking was related to higher incidence of CMB and higher STRIVE score, adjusted for other known risk factors.ConclusionCSVD is highly prevalent in the general older population and the 6-year incidence of WMH, CMB and MTA ranges from 13 to 19 percent. The modifiable lifestyle factors: smoking, and moderate alcohol intake are related to incident CSVD.

Off-Label Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Patients with Persistent Pain with Spinal Cord Stimulators: A Case Series.

Advances in spinal cord stimulator (SCS) technology and increasing prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic testing require empirical evidence describing the presence of MRI-related SCS adverse events related to off-label use of imaging. MRI safety recommendations vary based on the type of stimulator used with scant availability regarding adverse events associated with off-label MRI use. The aim of this case series is to describe the type and frequency of adverse events associated with off-label MRI use in patients with implanted SCSs. Convenient samples of records of patients who had SCS and subsequently underwent MRI were included. Descriptive data including patient demographics, stimulator information, and frequency of adverse events were described. Sixty-nine individuals with implanted SCSs were included. The total number of scans was 78. Sixty-two percent of the sample was female. Over 92% of the MRI scans were considered off-label and the overall adverse event rate for off-label use was 9.72%. No serious adverse events were reported. Seven clinical adverse events were reported, all of which were related to the spinal cord stimulation and resolved. This case series demonstrates that individuals implanted with SCSs experienced no serious adverse events associated with off-label MRI use. While these results represent a convenient sample, they provide important preliminary information about using MRI when medically necessary for patients with older spinal cord stimulator models. Specifically, these data demonstrate that the rate of observed adverse events related to MRI was low and suggest that the benefits of acquiring these images for pain management may outweigh the risks of not acquiring MRI for appropriate pain management.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.

To describe the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with the clinical diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Sixteen consecutive patients with untreated PMR, meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria, underwent MRI examinations of the shoulder(s), hip(s), or both, depending on clinical complaints. Six patients also underwent MRI of the spine. We evaluated 24 shoulders, among which we identified subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis in 21 (87.5%), glenohumeral joint effusion in 17 (70.8%), and fluid distention of the long head of the biceps tendon sheath in 15 (62.5%). Peritendinitis and capsular edema were observed in 21 (87.5%) and 17 (70.8%) shoulders, respectively. We also evaluated 17 hips, identifying hip joint effusion in 12 (70.6%), trochanteric bursitis in 11 (64.7%), peritendinitis in 17 (100%), and capsular edema in 14 (82.4%). All six of the patients who underwent MRI of the spine were found to have interspinous bursitis. Subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis, glenohumeral joint effusion, and hip joint effusion are common findings in patients with PMR. In addition, such patients appear to be highly susceptible to peritendinitis and capsular edema. There is a need for case-control studies to validate our data and to determine the real impact that these findings have on the diagnosis of PMR by MRI.

Relationship between abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging and knee symptoms in early knee osteoarthritis

We investigated the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and their relationship with knee symptoms in women without radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This cross-sectional cohort study included 359 Japanese women without radiographic evidence of KOA (Kellgren‒Lawrence grade < 2). All participants underwent T2-weighted fat-suppressed MRI of their knees. Structural abnormalities (cartilage damage, bone marrow lesions [BMLs], subchondral cysts, bone attrition, osteophytes, meniscal lesions, and synovitis) were scored according to the whole-organ MRI score method. Knee symptoms were evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Participants were divided into early and non-KOA groups based on early KOA classification criteria. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between MRI abnormalities and knee symptoms. Cartilage damage was the most common abnormality (43.5%). The prevalences of cartilage damage, BMLs, subchondral cysts, bone attrition, meniscal lesions, and synovitis were higher in patients with early KOA than in those without. Synovitis (odds ratio [OR] 2.254, P = 0.002) and meniscal lesions (OR 1.479, P = 0.031) were positively associated with the presence of early KOA. Synovitis was most strongly associated with knee pain and might be a therapeutic target in patients with early KOA.

The cleft sign may be an independent factor of magnetic resonance imaging findings associated with a delayed return-to-play time in athletes with groin pain.

To investigate the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and define prognostic factors of the return-to-play time in young athletes with groin pain. A total of 1091 consecutive athletes were retrospectively screened; 651 athletes, aged 16-40years, with pain in the groin regions were assessed using MRI. Of these athletes, 356 were included for analysing the time to return-to-play. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the associations between the time to return-to-play (primary outcome variable) and the following variables: age, sex, body mass index, type of sports, Hip Sports Activity Scale, clear trauma history, and 12 MRI findings. Four MRI findings, including cleft sign, pubic bone marrow oedema of both the superior and inferior ramus, and central disc protrusion of the pubic symphysis, appeared together in more than 44% of the cases. The median time to return-to-play was 24.7weeks for athletes with a cleft sign on MRI, which was significantly longer than the 11.9weeks for athletes without the sign. The median time to return-to-play was 20.8weeks for athletes with BMI > 24, which was significantly longer than the 13.6weeks for athletes with BMI≦24. In multiple linear regression analysis of 356 athletes, in whom hip-related groin pain was excluded, and who were followed-up until the return-to-play, the body mass index and cleft sign were the independent factors associated with a delayed return-to-play. In contrast, iliopsoas muscle strain and other muscle injuries were associated with a shorter return-to-play. Multiple MRI findings were present in almost half of all cases. Body mass index and the cleft sign were independently associated with a delayed return-to-play time in young athletes suffering from groin pain. III.

Prevalence of Radiographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis in Young and Middle-Aged Adults With Persistent Patellofemoral Pain.

To describe the prevalence of radiographic features of patellofemoral (PF) osteoarthritis (OA) in adults with persistent PF pain, to describe the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined PF OA and compare it to that in age- and sex-matched controls, and to explore the prevalence of radiographic and MRI-defined PF OA across age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) groups. This cross-sectional study included 84 individuals with PF pain ≥3 months duration and 26 age- and sex-matched controls. In participants with PF pain, posteroanterior, lateral, and skyline radiographs were obtained. Radiographic OA features were scored using Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) criteria and a radiographic atlas, with K/L grade ≥2 defined as OA, and K/L grade 1 as early OA. Both groups underwent 3.0 Tesla MRI scans, scored using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score criteria. Compartmental prevalence of MRI OA features was based on cartilage lesions, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and osteophytes. Overall, 20 participants (24%) with PF pain had radiographic PF OA (K/L grade ≥2), and 36 participants (43%) had early PF OA (K/L grade 1). MRI-defined PF OA was more prevalent in participants with PF pain (16-29%) than in controls (4-12%), irrespective of how PF OA was defined. Within the PF pain group, the prevalence of PF OA on radiographs and MRI was greater in participants who were older or female or who had a higher BMI. Features of radiographic and MRI-defined PF OA were evident in 20-30% of adults ages 26-50 years with persistent PF pain, with greater prevalence observed in those who were older, or female, or who had a higher BMI. MRI-defined PF OA was more prevalent in individuals with PF pain than in pain-free controls, especially when defined as a full-thickness cartilage lesion with BML.

VOXEL-BASED MORPHOMETRY (VBM) FOCUSING ON MEDIAL TEMPORAL LOBE ATROPHY HAS LIMITED CAPABILITY IN DETECTING AMYLOID BETA

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is widely used to help diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. It is certainly a convenient tool and the prevalence of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhance its usefulness. To clarify the actual power of VBM targeting atrophy in the medial temporal lobes, we retrospectively compared amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) and VBM. Two hundred and seventeen patients who underwent both Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) PET and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were retrospectively recruited. 97 patients were amyloid negative and 120 were amyloid positive. Voxel-Based Specific Regional Analysis System for Alzheimer's Disease (VSRAD®) Z scores of patients between PiB negative and positive were significantly different (p=0.0055). However, histogram showed vast overlap between PiB positive and negative. Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was only 0.64. Sensitivity was 0.75, specificity was 0.67 at the cutoff level of 1.23. Hippocampal atrophy could not differentiate amyloid positivity reliably.

MR Imaging of Degenerative Cartilage Lesions of the Knee Joint in Floor Layers and Graphic Designers

Kneeling work leads to an additional risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies have primarily been based on radiography, but radiography is limited by its inability to visualize articular cartilage, in which the earliest signs of OA occur. The objective of this explorative study, based on available data, was to examine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected knee cartilage lesions in male floor layers exposed to kneeling work, as compared to non-exposed male graphic designers.

Associations Between Spondyloarthritis Features and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 1,020 Patients With Persistent Low Back Pain.

The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) has previously published criteria for spondyloarthritis (SpA). In the Spines of Southern Denmark cohort, which included patients with persistent low back pain and an unknown proportion of patients with SpA, our objectives were 1) to estimate the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinical features included in the ASAS criteria for SpA and 2) to explore the associations between MRI findings and clinical features. We included patients ages 18-40 years with persistent low back pain who had been referred to the Spine Centre of Southern Denmark. We collected information on clinical features (including HLA-B27 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and MRI findings in the spine and sacroiliac (SI) joints. Of 1,020 included patients, 537 (53%) had at least 1 of the clinical features included in the ASAS criteria for SpA. Three clinical features were common-inflammatory back pain according to the ASAS criteria, a good response to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and family history of SpA. The prevalence of these features ranged from 15% to 17%. Sacroiliitis on MRI according to the ASAS definition was present in 217 patients (21%). Of those 217 patients, 91 (42%) had the minimum amount of bone marrow edema required according to the ASAS definition (a low bone marrow edema score). The presence of HLA-B27, peripheral arthritis, a good response to NSAIDs, and preceding infection were independently positively associated with MRI findings in the SI joints (odds ratios [ORs] of 1.9-9.0). The remaining 8 clinical features were not positively associated with MRI findings. Importantly, only age was independently associated with low bone marrow edema score at the SI joints (OR of 1.1 per year). In this population, 53% had at least 1 clinical feature included in the ASAS criteria for SpA, and 21% had sacroiliitis according to the ASAS definition; furthermore, the associations between the clinical and imaging domains were inconsistent. The results indicate a need for further investigation of the importance of these findings in SpA, including investigation of the minimum requirements for defining sacroiliitis on MRI.

Factors associated with magnetic resonance imaging defined patellar tendinopathy in community-based middle-aged women: a prospective cohort study.

BackgroundPatellar tendinopathy identified by imaging modalities has been reported in asymptomatic athletes and associated with tendon-related symptoms. However there is little data in community-based populations. The aim of this cohort study was to examine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined patellar tendinopathy, the factors associated with this condition, and whether it was associated with knee pain in community-based middle-aged women.MethodsOne hundred seventy six women, aged 40–67 years, with no significant knee pain or injury underwent knee MRI. Patellar tendinopathy was defined on both T1- and T2-weighted fat-saturated MRIs. The cross-sectional area of vastus medialis was measured from MRI. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI). Physical activity was assessed using a questionnaire. Knee pain was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index.ResultsThe prevalence of MRI defined patellar tendinopathy was 30.1 %. Higher levels of physical activity (odds ratio 1.65, 95 % CI 1.09–2.51) and greater vastus medialis cross-sectional area (odds ratio 1.22, 95 % CI 1.04–1.43) were associated with increased prevalence of patellar tendinopathy, independent of age and BMI. The persistence of patellar tendinopathy was associated with the worsening of knee pain over 2 years (odds ratio 10.65, 95 % CI 1.14–99.77).ConclusionIn community-based middle-aged women MRI-diagnosed patellar tendinopathy is common, with higher levels of physical activity and greater vastus medialis size being risk factors suggesting a biomechanical effect. Persistent patellar tendinopathy is associated with worsening of knee pain. These findings suggest that further work is needed to determine the contribution of patellar tendinopathy on knee pain and function in older people.

Association between obesity and magnetic resonance imaging defined patellar tendinopathy in community-based adults: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundPatellar tendinopathy is a common cause of activity-related anterior knee pain. Evidence is conflicting as to whether obesity is a risk factor for this condition. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between obesity and prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined patellar tendinopathy in community-based adults.Methods297 participants aged 50–79 years with no history of knee pain or injury were recruited from an existing community-based cohort. Measures of obesity included measured weight and body mass index (BMI), self-reported weight at age of 18–21 years and heaviest lifetime weight. Fat-free mass and fat mass were measured using bioelectrical impedance. Participants underwent MRI of the dominant knee. Patellar tendinopathy was defined on both T1- and T2-weighted images.ResultsThe prevalence of MRI defined patellar tendinopathy was 28.3%. Current weight (OR per kg = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P = 0.002), BMI (OR per kg/m2 = 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.17, P = 0.002), heaviest lifetime weight (OR per kg = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05, P = 0.007) and weight at age of 18–21 years (OR per kg = 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, P = 0.05) were all positively associated with the prevalence of patellar tendinopathy. Neither fat mass nor fat-free mass was associated with patellar tendinopathy.ConclusionMRI defined patellar tendinopathy is common in community-based adults and is associated with current and past history of obesity assessed by BMI or body weight, but not fat mass. The findings suggest a mechanical pathogenesis of patellar tendinopathy and patellar tendinopathy may be one mechanism for obesity related anterior knee pain.

The epidemiology of silent brain infarction: a systematic review of population-based cohorts.

BackgroundCerebral infarction is a commonly observed radiological finding in the absence of corresponding, clinical symptomatology, the so-called silent brain infarction (SBI). SBIs are a relatively new consideration as improved imaging has facilitated recognition of their occurrence. However, the true incidence, prevalence and risk factors associated with SBI remain controversial.MethodsSystematic searches of the Medline and EMBASE databases from 1946 to December 2013 were performed to identify original studies of population-based adult cohorts derived from community surveys and routine health screening that reported the incidence and prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-determined SBI.ResultsThe prevalence of SBI ranges from 5% to 62% with most studies reported in the 10% to 20% range. Longitudinal studies suggest an annual incidence of between 2% and 4%. A strong association was seen to exist between epidemiological estimates of SBI and age of the population assessed. Hypertension, carotid stenosis, chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome all showed a strong association with SBI. Heart failure, coronary artery disease, hyperhomocysteinemia and obstructive sleep apnea are also likely of significance. However, any association between SBI and gender, ethnicity, tobacco or alcohol consumption, obesity, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus remains unclear.ConclusionsSBI is a remarkably common phenomenon and endemic among older people. This systematic review supports the association of a number of traditional vascular risk factors, but also highlights disparities between clinically apparent and silent strokes, potentially suggesting important differences in pathophysiology and warranting further investigation.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in smith–lemli–opitz syndrome

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by inborn errors of cholesterol metabolism resulting from mutations in 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7). There are only a few studies describing the brain imaging findings in SLOS. This study examines the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in the largest cohort of patients with SLOS to date. Fifty-five individuals with SLOS (27 M, 28 F) between age 0.17 years and 25.4 years (mean = 6.2, SD = 5.8) received a total of 173 brain MRI scans (mean = 3.1 per subject) on a 1.5T GE scanner between September 1998 and December 2003, or on a 3T Philips scanner between October 2010 and September 2012; all exams were performed at the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health. We performed a retrospective review of these imaging studies for both major and minor brain anomalies. Aberrant MRI findings were observed in 53 of 55 (96%) SLOS patients, with abnormalities of the septum pellucidum the most frequent (42/55, 76%) finding. Abnormalities of the corpus callosum were found in 38 of 55 (69%) patients. Other findings included cerebral atrophy, cerebellar atrophy, colpocephaly, white matter lesions, arachnoid cysts, Dandy-Walker variant, and type I Chiari malformation. Significant correlations were observed when comparing MRI findings with sterol levels and somatic malformations. Individuals with SLOS commonly have anomalies involving the midline and para-midline structures of the brain. Further studies are required to examine the relationship between structural brain abnormalities and neurodevelopmental disability in SLOS.

Using magnetic resonance imaging to determine the compartmental prevalence of knee joint structural damage

To describe the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected structural damage in the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) and tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) in a population-based cohort. A secondary aim was to evaluate the patterns of compartmental involvement in knees with pain, between men and women, and in different age and body mass index (BMI) categories. We studied 970 knees, one knee per subject, from the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study, a population-based cohort study of persons 51-92 years old. Cartilage damage and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) were assessed using the Whole Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). The prevalence of isolated PFJ, isolated TFJ, and mixed structural damage was determined using the following definitions: any cartilage damage, full thickness cartilage loss, any BML, and the combination of full thickness cartilage loss with any BML. The mean age and BMI was 63.4 years and 28.6m/kg(2), respectively; 57% were female. Isolated PFJ damage occurred in 15-20% of knees and isolated TFJ damage occurred in 8-17% of knees depending on the definition used. The prevalence of isolated PFJ damage was greater than isolated TFJ damage using all definitions except the any BML definition. This pattern was similar between genders and among age and BMI categories. In those with knee pain, isolated PFJ was at least as common as TFJ damage depending on the definition used. Using MRI to assess knee joint structural damage, isolated PFJ damage was at least as common as, if not more common than, isolated TFJ damage.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in Young Arabs with Low Back Pain

Study DesignA prospective study.PurposeTo Investigate the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of the lumbar spine in low back pain (LBP) and the associated risk factors in young Arab population.Overview of LiteratureStudies on the prevalence of MRI findings and their relationship with LBP have been conducted; these have occurred in adult populations in developed countries. The prevalence of MRI changes in the young Arab population with LBP is not known.MethodsTwo hundred and fourteen patients of Arab origin in the 16 to 29 year age group with LBP symptoms underwent MRI examinations. The prevalence of MRI changes in the lumbar spine and associated risk factors were determined and compared to age, race, and gender-matched controls.ResultsA majority (64%) of the patients with LBP (138 out of 214) were found to have MRI evidence of degenerative disc disease (DD) compared to 10% (22 out of 214) in the control group. The majority (61%) of patients had multiple level disease, most commonly involving the lowest 2 disc levels. Reduced signal of the disc followed by disc bulge was the most common MRI features seen in the symptomatic subjects. Obesity correlated with MRI prevalence of abnormalities, while activity demonstrated a positive trend.ConclusionsThe MRI prevalence of DD among the young Arab patients with LBP is high when compared to other reports in literature. Obesity correlated with MRI prevalence of abnormalities while activity demonstrated a positive trend.

The Longitudinal Assessment of Imaging and Disability of the Back (LAIDBack) Study: baseline data.

Prospective cohort study of randomly selected Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatients. To determine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the lumbar spine among persons without current low back pain or sciatica and to examine which findings are related to age or previous back symptoms. Previous studies of patients without low back pain have not explored the possible association of various MRI findings to past symptoms. We randomly selected an age-stratified sample of subjects without low back pain in the past 4 months from clinics at a VA hospital. We collected information on demographics, comorbidity, functional status, and quality of life. MR images were obtained using a standardized protocol through each of the five lumbar disc levels. Of 148 subjects, 69 (46%) had never experienced low back pain. There were 123 subjects (83%) with moderate to severe desiccation of one or more discs, 95 (64%) with one or more bulging discs, and 83 (56%) with loss of disc height. Forty-eight subjects (32%) had at least one disc protrusion and 9 (6%) had one or more disc extrusions. Many MR imaging findings have a high prevalence in subjects without low back pain. These findings are therefore of limited diagnostic use. The less common findings of moderate or severe central stenosis, root compression, and extrusions are likely to be diagnostically and clinically relevant.

Magnetic resonance imaging in systemic lupus erythematosus patients without a history of neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus

To determine the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without a history of neuropsychiatric symptoms and to correlate any MRI abnormalities with the patient's other disease manifestations or treatment. Prospective study of 32 consecutive patients with SLE without a history of neuropsychiatric symptoms, from inpatient and outpatient rheumatology services, who underwent MRI scan during a 3-year period. Five patients had MRI abnormalities consisting of white matter lesions or periventricular hyperintensities; this is similar to the prevalence of these abnormalities in the general population. The prevalence of silent brain MRI abnormalities is not increased in SLE patients who do not have a history of neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Cerebral lesions on magnetic resonance imaging in vascular dementia

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the second major cause of dementia, accounting for almost 10­ 15% of cases, and contributing to dementia in an additional 15-20% of cases with mixed-type demen­ tia. Despite the widespread diffusion of CVD in the aged population, only a relatively small number of patients with CVD finally develop dementia. As previously stressed by Fisher (1), there is no doubt that cerebrovascular dementia is a matter of strokes large or small, but this fact seems to mean that sev­ eral factors, such as the extent of anatomic involve­ ment, the location of the infarcts, or concomitant changes other than infarcts, may play relevant roles in determining mental changes. To investigate the characteristics of brain changes associated with the development of vascular demen­ tia, we have compared the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in a series of patients with vascular dementia with the respective findings for a group of nondemented patients with a history of CVD and with those of a group of non­ demented patients without evidence of CVD.