We compared different hemodynamic parameters in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and local carotid stiffness parameters in 53 ILA patients to 40 gender and risk factor-matched controls with normal head MRI. The ILA diagnosis was based on head MRI and exclusion of other causes of WMH. In addition, we introduced new ischemic leukoariosis indices (ILAi) that are ratios of carotid stiffness parameters and MCA mean blood flow velocity. The diagnostic significance of ILAi for the prediction of ILA was analyzed.
We found significantly lower diastolic, systolic, and mean MCA blood flow velocities and increased carotid stiffness in the ILA group (P ≤ .05). All ILAi significantly differed between the groups (P < .05), were significantly associated with ILA (P < .01), and were sensitive and specific for predicting ILA (P < .05).
MCA blood flow velocities in ILA patients are lower compared to risk factor-matched controls. A combination of lower velocities and increased carotid stiffness represented as ILAi could have a potential diagnostic value for ILA.