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White matter hyperintensities are associated with surrogate markers of cerebrovascular risk
Author(s) -
Raz Limor,
Kantarci Kejal,
Miller Virginia M
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.685.26
Subject(s) - hyperintensity , medicine , platelet activation , cardiology , platelet , oncology , gastroenterology , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology
White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with cerebral microvascular disease. Our objective was to investigate changes in volume of WMH in relationship to conventional cerebrovascular risk factors in recently menopausal women (within 6 months – 3 yrs of their last menses) enrolled in the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS). Platelet activation, numbers of platelet‐derived microvesicles and conventional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease were determined in women (105) enrolled in KEEPS at Mayo Clinic. Each woman underwent MRI of the brain and WMH volumes were derived from the segmented Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery images at baseline and 36 months after randomization to treatment. Parametric, nonparametric and log transformation statistical analyses were conducted appropriately. Blood pressure and lipid profiles at baseline were not associated with changes in WMHs. However, baseline platelet micro‐aggregates, annexin V positive microvesicles and plasma activated protein C significantly correlated with increases in WMHs at 36 months. In conclusion, this correlation of increase in WMH with markers of platelet activation measured at baseline suggests that activated platelets and factors contributing to platelet activation may be causal to development of WMH. Supported by the Aurora Fnd, NIH HL90639, NS066147, HD65987 and the Mayo Fnd.