An observational study of T2-weighted white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus and brain: ignore or not?. Issue 11 (24th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, X; Grimmond, N; Kontorinis, G
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 135:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 964
• Page End: 969
• Publication Date: 2021-11-24
• Subjects: Cerebral White Matter -- Magnetic Resonance Imaging -- Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215121001845
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

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.