Abstract
White matter lesion (WML) is an advancing disease, and originated from chronic hypoperfusion and by the destruction of blood-brain barrier due to angiopathy, including hypertensive microangiopathy and amyloid angiopathy. WML was investigated for related diseases and risk factors. WMLs originated from multiple factors. Recently, some genetic origins of WML were also identified. MRIs frequently demonstrate spotty WMLs in elderly people suggesting that it may be a finding of aging, but not abnormal. However, advanced WML is associated with many diseases and needed to be followed carefully, and the control of risk factors. In people with severe WML, the incidence or recurrent rates of strokes, in particular intracerebral hemorrhages or lacunar infarctions, are higher than those without WML. Severe WML might be a surrogate marker for stroke occurrences. However, there was no guideline for anti-platelet drug use or anti-coagulant drug use for people with severe WML. Further studies are needed to investigate antithrombotic drug uses in patients with severe WML. WMLs are reported to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, depression, and general malaise.
