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An observational study of T2-weighted white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus and brain: ignore or not?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 September 2021

X Huang ,
N Grimmond  and
G Kontorinis
X Huang*
Affiliation:
Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
N Grimmond
Affiliation:
ENT Department, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, Scotland, UK ENT Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
G Kontorinis
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr Xuya Huang, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, GlasgowG51 4TF, Scotland, UK E-mail: xuya.huang@nhs.net
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Abstract

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus frequently detects incidental white matter hyperintensities. This study investigated the association between these and the risk of stroke and transient ischaemic attack, or myocardial infarction.

Methods

The records of patients with incidental white matter hyperintensities were reviewed, and data were collected on: age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and incidence of stroke and transient ischaemic attack, or myocardial infarction, five years later. The risk factors associated with vascular events were explored.

Results

Of 6978 patients, 309 (4.4 per cent) had incidental white matter hyperintensities. Of these, 20 (6.5 per cent) had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack within five years, and 5 (1.7 per cent) had a myocardial infarction. The number of cardiovascular risk factors was significantly associated with the incidence of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (p = 0.004), and myocardial infarction (p = 0.023).

Conclusion

The number of cardiovascular risk factors predicts the likelihood of vascular events; appropriate risk factor management is recommended for patients with incidental white matter hyperintensities of presumed vascular origin.

Keywords

Cerebral White MatterMagnetic Resonance ImagingCerebral Small Vessel Diseases
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 135 , Issue 11 , November 2021 , pp. 964 - 969
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

Mr X Huang takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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