P11.02 Brain White Matter Lesions and Arterial Wall Parameters in Migraine Patients

Background Migraine is a benign neurological disease, however, some migraineurs develop asymptomatic lesions in the deep white matter (DWMLs) whose origins still need to be clarified. Objective To evaluate relationship between DWMLs and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, arterial wall parameters (carotid intima-media thickness, distensibility and stiffness (CS), augmentation index (AIx) and aortic pulse wave velocity) and right-to-left shunts (RLS) in migraine patients. Methods 114 active migraineurs (mean age 35.9±9.6 years, 22 (19.3%) males, 50 (43.9%) with aura) participated in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed with a 1.5-T scanner. DWMLs load was assessed with Scheltens’ visual rating scale. Arterial wall parameters were measured by echo-tracking and applanation tonometry. RLS was assessed by contrast transcranial Doppler sonography with agitated saline. In order to explore the relationship between presence and load of DWMLs and possible risk factors logistic and linear regressions were applied. Results 29 (25.4%) migraineurs had DWMLs. They were significantly older (p