Incidental high-intensity foci in white matter on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Frequency and clinical significance in symptom-free adults.

The clinical significance of high-intensity foci in the white matter on magnetic resonance images of the brain was studied in 351 adults. The foci frequently occurred in the corona radiata and centrum semiovale. The frequency and extent of the foci were closely related to age and to a previous history of cerebrovascular disease. Patients without such a history but with risk factors for cerebrovascular disease tended to have these foci more frequently than those without risk factors.