Periventricular hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging correlated with brain ageing and atrophy.

Fifty-two patients with cerebrovascular risk factors without neurological abnormalities were reviewed with respect to periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); brain atrophy was also assessed by CT and T1-weighted MRI. Extensive PVH showed a stronger correlation with age-related atrophy than mild or absent PVH. The relative volume of brain affected by PVH, calculated by computer, also correlated with brain atrophy, especially ventricular enlargement. The effects of PVH on brain ageing and atrophy is discussed.