The role of small diffusion-weighted imaging lesions in cerebral small vessel disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic diffusion-weighted imaging-positive (DWI+) lesions in individuals with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and identify their role in the origin of SVD markers on MRI.

METHODS

We included 503 individuals with SVD from the Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion Tensor and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cohort (RUN DMC) study (mean age 65.6 years [SD 8.8], 56.5% male) with 1.5T MRI in 2006 and, if available, follow-up MRI in 2011 and 2015. We screened DWI scans (n = 1,152) for DWI+ lesions, assessed lesion evolution on follow-up fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, T1 and T2* images, and examined the association between DWI+ lesions and annual SVD progression (white matter hyperintensities [WMH], lacunes, microbleeds).

RESULTS

We found 50 DWI+ lesions in 39 individuals on 1,152 DWI (3.4%). Individuals with DWI+ lesions were older (p = 0.025), more frequently had a history of hypertension (p = 0.021), and had a larger burden of preexisting SVD MRI markers (WMH, lacunes, microbleeds: all p < 0.001) compared to individuals without DWI+ lesions. Of the 23 DWI+ lesions with available follow-up MRI, 14 (61%) evolved into a WMH, 8 (35%) resulted in a cavity, and 1 (4%) was no longer visible. Presence of DWI+ lesions was significantly associated with annual WMH volume increase and yearly incidence of lacunes and microbleeds (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Over 3% of individuals with SVD have DWI+ lesions. Although DWI+ lesions play a role in the progression of SVD, they may not fully explain progression of SVD markers on MRI, suggesting that other factors than acute ischemia are at play.

Cognitive consequences of regression of cerebral small vessel disease

Introduction

Recent studies have shown that neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease can also regress over time. We investigated the cognitive consequences of regression of small vessel disease markers.

Patients and methods

Two hundred and seventy-six participants of the RUNDMC study underwent neuroimaging and cognitive assessments at three time-points over 8.7 years. We semi-automatically assessed white matter hyperintensities volumes and manually rated lacunes and microbleeds. We analysed differences in cognitive decline and accompanying brain atrophy between participants with regression, progression and stable small vessel disease by analysis of variance.

Results

Fifty-six participants (20.3%) showed regression of small vessel disease markers: 31 (11.2%) white matter hyperintensities regression, 10 (3.6%) vanishing lacunes and 27 (9.8%) vanishing microbleeds. Participants with regression showed a decline in overall cognition, memory, psychomotor speed and executive function similar to stable small vessel disease. Participants with small vessel disease progression showed more cognitive decline compared with stable small vessel disease (p < 0.001 for cognitive index and memory; p < 0.01 for executive function), although significance disappeared after adjusting for age and sex. Loss of total brain, gray matter and white matter volume did not differ between participants with small vessel disease regression and stable small vessel disease, while participants with small vessel disease progression showed more volume loss of total brain and gray matter compared to those with stable small vessel disease (p < 0.05), although significance disappeared after adjustments.

Discussion

Regression of small vessel disease markers was associated with similar cognitive decline compared to stable small vessel disease and did not accompany brain atrophy, suggesting that small vessel disease regression follows a relatively benign clinical course. Future studies are required to validate these findings and to assess the role of vascular risk factor control on small vessel disease regression and possible recovery of clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

Our findings of comparable cognitive decline between participants with regression and stable small vessel disease might suggest that small vessel disease regression has a relative benign cognitive outcome.

Memory decline in elderly with cerebral small vessel disease explained by temporal interactions between white matter hyperintensities and hippocampal atrophy

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) constitute the visible spectrum of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) markers and are associated with cognitive decline, although they do not fully account for memory decline observed in individuals with SVD. We hypothesize that WMH might exert their effect on memory decline indirectly by affecting remote brain structures such as the hippocampus. We investigated the temporal interactions between WMH, hippocampal atrophy and memory decline in older adults with SVD. Five hundred and three participants of the RUNDMC study underwent neuroimaging and cognitive assessments up to 3 times over 8.7 years. We assessed WMH volumes semi-automatically and calculated hippocampal volumes (HV) using FreeSurfer. We used linear mixed effects models and causal mediation analyses to assess both interaction and mediation effects of hippocampal atrophy in the associations between WMH and memory decline, separately for working memory (WM) and episodic memory (EM). Linear mixed effect models revealed that the interaction between WMH and hippocampal volumes explained memory decline (WM: β = .067; 95%CI[.024-0.111]; p < .01; EM: β = .061; 95%CI[.025-.098]; p < .01), with better model fit when the WMH*HV interaction term was added to the model, for both WM (likelihood ratio test, χ² [1] = 9.3, p < .01) and for EM (likelihood ratio test, χ² [1] = 10.7, p < .01). Mediation models showed that both baseline WMH volume (β = -.170; p = .001) and hippocampal atrophy (β = 0.126; p = .009) were independently related to EM decline, but the effect of baseline WMH on EM decline was not mediated by hippocampal atrophy (p value indirect effect: 0.572). Memory decline in elderly with SVD was best explained by the interaction of WMH and hippocampal volumes. The relationship between WMH and memory was not causally mediated by hippocampal atrophy, suggesting that memory decline during aging is a heterogeneous condition in which different pathologies contribute to the memory decline observed in elderly with SVD.

Progression of White Matter Hyperintensities Preceded by Heterogeneous Decline of Microstructural Integrity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are frequently seen on neuroimaging of elderly and are associated with cognitive decline and the development of dementia. Yet, the temporal dynamics of conversion of normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) into WMH remains unknown. We examined whether and when progression of WMH was preceded by changes in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion tensor imaging values, thereby taking into account differences between participants with mild versus severe baseline WMH.

METHODS

From 266 participants of the RUN DMC study (Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion Tensor and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cohort), we semiautomatically segmented WMH at 3 time points for 9 years. Images were registered to standard space through a subject template. We analyzed differences in baseline fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity (MD) values and changes in MD values over time between 4 regions: (1) remaining NAWM, (2) NAWM converting into WMH in the second follow-up period, (3) NAWM converting into WMH in the first follow-up period, and (4) WMH.

RESULTS

NAWM converting into WMH in the first or second time interval showed higher fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and MD values than remaining NAWM. MD values in NAWM converting into WMH in the first time interval were similar to MD values in WMH. When stratified by baseline WMH severity, participants with severe WMH had higher fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and MD and lower fractional anisotropy values than participants with mild WMH, in all areas including the NAWM. MD values in WMH and in NAWM that converted into WMH continuously increased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired microstructural integrity preceded conversion into WMH and continuously declined over time, suggesting a continuous disease process of white matter integrity loss that can be detected using diffusion tensor imaging even years before WMH become visible on conventional neuroimaging. Differences in microstructural integrity between participants with mild versus severe WMH suggest heterogeneity of both NAWM and WMH, which might explain the clinical variability observed in patients with similar small vessel disease severity.

Nonlinear temporal dynamics of cerebral small vessel disease: The RUN DMC study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the temporal dynamics of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) by 3 consecutive assessments over a period of 9 years, distinguishing progression from regression.

METHODS

Changes in SVD markers of 276 participants of the Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion Tensor and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cohort (RUN DMC) cohort were assessed at 3 time points over 9 years. We assessed white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume by semiautomatic segmentation and rated lacunes and microbleeds manually. We categorized baseline WMH severity as mild, moderate, or severe according to the modified Fazekas scale. We performed mixed-effects regression analysis including a quadratic term for increasing age.

RESULTS

Mean WMH progression over 9 years was 4.7 mL (0.54 mL/y; interquartile range 0.95-5.5 mL), 20.3% of patients had incident lacunes (2.3%/y), and 18.9% had incident microbleeds (2.2%/y). WMH volume declined in 9.4% of the participants during the first follow-up interval, but only for 1 participant (0.4%) throughout the whole follow-up. Lacunes disappeared in 3.6% and microbleeds in 5.7% of the participants. WMH progression accelerated over time: including a quadratic term for increasing age during follow-up significantly improved the model (p < 0.001). SVD progression was predominantly seen in participants with moderate to severe WMH at baseline compared to those with mild WMH (odds ratio [OR] 35.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8-80.0, p < 0.001 for WMH progression; OR 5.7, 95% CI 2.8-11.2, p < 0.001 for incident lacunes; and OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4-5.9, p = 0.003 for incident microbleeds).

CONCLUSIONS

SVD progression is nonlinear, accelerating over time, and a highly dynamic process, with progression interrupted by reduction in some, in a population that on average shows progression.

Baseline Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Is Not Associated with Gait Decline After Five Years

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is cross-sectionally associated with gait disturbances, however, the relation between baseline SVD and gait decline over time is uncertain. Furthermore, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies on gait decline are currently lacking.

Objective

To investigate the association between baseline imaging SVD markers and gait decline.

Methods

In 2006, 310 participants from the RUN DMC cohort, a prospective cohort with older adults aged 50-85 years with SVD, were included. Gait variables were assessed using a computerized walkway during baseline and follow-up. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relation between imaging measures and gait decline and incident gait impairment (speed ≤ 1.0 m/s). Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to identify possible differences in DTI measures of white matter tracts between participants with and without incident gait impairment.

Results

Mean age was 63.3 years (SD: 8.4) and mean follow-up duration 5.4 years (SD: 0.2). No significant associations between imaging measures and gait decline were found. TBSS analysis revealed no significant differences in DTI measures between participants with and without incident gait impairment after additional adjustment for SVD. In sub-analyses, a high total WMH volume (OR: 2.8 for highest quartile, 95% CI: 1.1-7.1) and high infratentorial WMH volume (OR: 1.8 per SD increase, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9) were associated with an increased 5-year risk of gait impairment, although this was not significant after correction for multiple testing.

Conclusion

Baseline imaging SVD markers were not associated with gait decline or incident gait impairment after 5 years. Future studies should investigate if SVD progression is related to gait deterioration.

Factors Associated With 8-Year Mortality in Older Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: The Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion Tensor and Magnetic Resonance Cohort (RUN DMC) Study

IMPORTANCE

Gait and cognition have been related to mortality in population-based studies. This association is possibly mediated by cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), which has been associated with mortality as well. It is unknown which factors can predict mortality in individuals with SVD. Identification of high-risk patients may provide insight into factors that reflect their vital health status.

OBJECTIVES

To assess mortality in patients with cerebral SVD and identify potential clinical and/or imaging factors associated with mortality.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective, single-center cohort study was conducted. The present investigation is embedded in the Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion Tensor and Magnetic Resonance Cohort (RUN DMC) study. Between January 17, 2006, and February 27, 2007, all participants underwent a cognitive and motor assessment and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including a diffusion tensor imaging sequence to assess microstructural integrity of the white matter. Participants were followed up until their death or November 24, 2014. Participants included 503 older adults with SVD noted on brain imaging. Data analysis was performed from November 26, 2014, to February 2, 2015.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Eight-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Of 503 participants (mean [SD] age, 65.7 [8.8] years; range, 50-85 years; 284 [56.5%] were male), 80 individuals (15.9%) died during a mean (SD) follow-up of 7.8 (1.5) years. In the final analysis, 494 (98.2%) were included, of whom 78 (15.8%) died. Gait speed, cognitive index, conventional MRI markers of SVD (white matter hyperintensity volume, brain volume, and lacunes), and diffusion measures of the white matter were associated with an 8-year risk of mortality independent of age, sex, and vascular risk factors. The prediction of mortality was determined using Cox proportional hazards models with backward stepwise selection and including age, sex, vascular risk factors, gait speed, cognitive index, MRI, and diffusion measures. Results are reported as hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI). Older age (1.05 per 1-year increase [1.01-1.08]), lower gait speed (1.15 per 0.1-m/s slower gait [1.06-1.24]), lower gray matter volume (0.72 per 1-SD increase [0.55-0.95]), and greater global mean diffusivity of the white matter (1.51 per 1-SD increase [1.19-1.92]) were identified as the main factors associated with mortality. Cognitive index and other conventional SVD markers were not retained in the prediction model.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Gait, cognition, and imaging markers of SVD are associated with 8-year risk of mortality. In the prediction of mortality, an older age, lower gait speed, lower gray matter volume, and greater global mean diffusivity of white matter at baseline best predicted mortality in our population. Further research is needed to investigate the reproducibility of this prediction model and to elucidate the association between the factors identified and mortality.

Cerebral small vessel disease and incident parkinsonism: The RUN DMC study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relation between baseline cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and the risk of incident parkinsonism using different MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures.

METHODS

In the Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion Tensor and Magnetic Resonance Cohort (RUN DMC) study, a prospective cohort study, 503 elderly participants with SVD and without parkinsonism were included in 2006. During follow-up (2011-2012), parkinsonism was diagnosed according to UK Brain Bank criteria. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the association between baseline imaging measures and incident all-cause parkinsonism and vascular parkinsonism (VP). Tract-based spatial statistics analysis was used to identify differences in baseline DTI measures of white matter (WM) tracts between participants with VP and without parkinsonism.

RESULTS

Follow-up was available from 501 participants (mean age 65.6 years; mean follow-up duration 5.2 years). Parkinsonism developed in 20 participants; 15 were diagnosed with VP. The 5-year risk of (any) parkinsonism was increased for those with a high white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume (hazard ratio [HR] 1.8 per SD increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-2.4) and a high number of lacunes (HR 1.4 per number increase, 95% CI 1.1-1.8) at baseline. For VP, this risk was also increased by the presence of microbleeds (HR 5.7, 95% CI 1.9-16.8) and a low gray matter volume (HR 0.4 per SD increase, 95% CI 0.2-0.8). Lower fractional anisotropy values in bifrontal WM tracts involved in movement control were observed in participants with VP compared to participants without parkinsonism.

CONCLUSIONS

SVD at baseline, especially a high WMH volume and a high number of lacunes, is associated with incident parkinsonism. Our findings favor a role of SVD in the etiology of parkinsonism.