Abstract

SARTORI, P et al. White matter lesions in an elderly patient: Using the proper terminology. Rev. argent. radiol. [online]. 2017, vol.81, n.2, pp.110-121. ISSN 1852-9992.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rard.2016.07.006.

In Neuroradiology the changes in the deep or sub-cortical white matter in elderly people are generally described as leukoaraiosis, chronic hypoxic-ischaemic processes, microangiopathic leucoencephalopathy, or they are simply mentioned as density or intensity changes according to the selected imaging method. However, are these terms correct?, Are they synonyms?, Do they have the same aetiology? The lesions that affect white matter are hypodense in computed tomography, hyperintense in T2-weighted or FLAIR, or hypointense in T1 images in magnetic resonance. A description is presented on the different conditions that can selectively affect the white matter in the elderly patient and their probable mechanisms of action in order to establish a correct nomenclature, as well as make differential diagnoses.

Keywords : White matter; Leucoaraiosis; Leucoencephalopathies.