Risk factors for the progression of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in the patients with small vessel disease (CSVD)– A UK Biobank study

Motivation: White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is a key magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) marker of cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD). These lesions disrupt specific fiber tracts and ultimately lead to cognitive decline. Goal(s): Investigating risk factors related to the progression of WMH in CSVD patients, building a predictive model based on both clinical and imaging factors. Approach: The associations between WMH growth rate and clinical features, MRI diffusion metrics were evaluated. Results: Significant differences in glucose levels, age, and sex were observed between growth and shrinking group. Higher WMH growth rates were associated with lower whole-brain mean FA/ICVF but higher MD/ISOVF at baseline. Impact: Our study highlights intricate relationships between clinical factors, imaging markers, and WMH progression.