White matter changes and ventricular enlargement on magnetic resonance imaging: Comparison between normal elderly subjects and patients with cerebrovascular disorders

T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to be effective in detecting changes in cerebral white matter. High signal intensity in cerebral white matter regions has been suggested to be indicative of the presence of a disease state. In normal aging, white matter changes, known as leuko-araiosis, have been reported to be widespread. Some studies have linked leuko-araiosis to aging and risk factors for stroke. There is also evidence that changes in cerebral white matter occur in hydrocephalus and that enlargement of the lateral ventricles is a byproduct of severe white matter changes. This study reports data on the frequency and severity of leuko-araiosis in normal subjects and patients with cerebrovascular disease and explores the relationship between white matter changes and ventricular dilatation.