Vulnerable plaques are associated with white matter hyperintensities: a finding on high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging.

Motivation: Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a common disease in the elderly with uncertain causes. We wanted to explore whether intracerebral macrovascular disease is related to CSVD. Goal(s): This study was to explore the relationship between atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and wall changes and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) associated with CSVD. Approach: As a non-invasive technique, high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging can display vascular image and measure plaque parameters and vascular wall changes. Using the tools, the differences between WMH groups were analyzed. Results: WMH was associated with unstable plaques. Age, wide distribution and significant enhancement were independent factors affecting WMH. Impact: Unstable atherosclerotic plaque may cause CSVD, suggesting that clinicians should pay more attention to patients with ischemic stroke. The plaque vulnerability parameter may be a new index to evaluate the degree of WMH.