Metabolic syndrome shown to be significantly associated with all grades of leukoaraiosis

Leukoaraiosis (LA) is considered as an intermediate substitute of ischaemic brain damages. This study including 1030 healthy subjects derived from various age groups was conducted to examine the relationship between LA and metabolic syndrome (NCEP ATP III definition). LA was assessed using the rating scale of the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities study on MRI. Logistic regression analysis revealed that metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with the presence of LA, the association being constant across grades of LA. The adjusted OR was 3.41 for minimal LA and 3.07 for LA combining mild, moderate, and severe grades. Among the components of the metabolic syndrome, elevated blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, and hypertriglyceridaemia were independently associated with all grades of LA. Identifying a metabolic syndrome phenotype in otherwise seemingly healthy subjects may contribute to identify an increased risk for LA.

Abstract

Keywords:
Atherosclerosis – Elevated blood pressure – Hypertriglyceridaemia – Impaired fasting glucose – NCEP ATP III definition - Stroke