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2013, Number 3

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Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas 2013; 12 (3)

Leukoaraiosis. Physiopathologic aspects and diagnostic imaging

Ramírez NSV, Álvarez RE, Paradela FC, Álvarez RE

Language: Spanish
References: 18
Page: 336-342
PDF size: 166.59 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: Leukoaraiosis is related to the small cerebral vessel disease and mainly associated with the aging of population and the high prevalence of hypertension. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging pave the way to its apparition.
Objectives: To describe the most importance physiopathologic aspects of leukoaraiosis and the relevance of imaging techniques as magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose it.
Material and Methods: It was made a review through automatized data base MEDLINE (PubMed as search engine) using leukoaraiosis, cerebral small vessel disease and magnetic resonance imaging as descriptors. The review was based on the selection and critical analysis of publications, most appearing in the last five years.
Development: Leukoaraiosis is characterized by changes in the periventricular white matter. The associated physiopathologic changes remain doubtful and not completely explained being the hypothesis centred in the chronic ischemia, bloodbrain barrier breakdown and endothelial damage or in their combination. On the other hand, new neuroradiologic techniques as magnetic resonance imaging appear to allow to deeply analyze the different imaging findings that support the diagnosis of the leukoaraiosis.
Conclusions: Aging associated to high prevalence of leukoaraiosis as well as the availability of improved brain imaging techniques permit a better understanding of its physiopathologic aspects which are even controversial.


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