Correlation between quantitative software analysis-based white matter hyperintensity volume on FLAIR image and cognitive impairment

Motivation: Acquiring new knowledge about the clinical significance of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) is important. Goal(s): This study aimed to investigate the relationship between WMH volume and cognitive impairment. Approach: Patients information (sex, age, education level), neuropsychological examinations (Mini-Mental State Examination and the Japanese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and FLAIR images were retrospectively examined as clinical data. WMH volume was analyzed from FLAIR images with fully automated analysis software. The relationship between WMH volume and clinical data was investigated. Results: WMH volume significantly differed according to education level, and that WMH volume was associated with neuropsychological examinations. Impact: The white matter hyperintensity volume obtained from fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images using a fully automated white matter signal analysis software could provide important clinical information about cognitive impairment in patients.