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leucoaraiosis
Pronunciation: loo-ko-air-ah-OH-sis
Diffuse white matter changes seen on brain imaging, typically associated with small vessel disease and aging.
Full Definition
Leucoaraiosis describes bilateral, patchy, or diffuse areas of low attenuation in the white matter on CT or hyperintense signal on T2-weighted MRI, particularly in periventricular regions. These changes reflect small vessel ischemic disease, demyelination, or tissue rarefaction. Leucoaraiosis increases with age and is associated with vascular risk factors, cognitive decline, and increased risk of stroke. The term is purely descriptive of the imaging appearance.
Usage
Usage note: Both 'leucoaraiosis' and 'leukoaraiosis' spellings are acceptable; ensure consistency within documents.
In Context
- "Extensive leucoaraiosis was evident in the periventricular and subcortical regions." — Neuroradiology report
- "The degree of leucoaraiosis correlated with the patient's vascular risk factors." — Research study findings
Also known as
white matter hyperintensities
leukoaraiosis
Contrasted with
normal white matter
Don't confuse with
multiple sclerosis lesions
infarctions