Intermediate
Technical
IVT
white matter hyperintensities
Bright signal areas in white matter on T2-weighted or FLAIR images, often associated with small vessel disease or aging.
Full Definition
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) appear as areas of increased signal intensity on T2-weighted and FLAIR MRI sequences, typically found in periventricular and deep white matter regions. These lesions are commonly observed in elderly patients and may indicate cerebrovascular pathology, demyelination, or normal aging processes. WMH burden is often quantified and reported as part of neuroimaging assessments for cognitive disorders and stroke risk evaluation.
Usage
Usage note: Always use plural form when referring to multiple lesions; singular for a specific lesion.
In Context
- "The patient showed extensive periventricular white matter hyperintensities consistent with chronic small vessel disease." — Radiology report
- "WMH volume was significantly increased in the dementia cohort compared to age-matched controls." — Research manuscript
Also known as
WMH
leukoaraiosis
white matter lesions
Don't confuse with
white matter hyperintensity
hyperintense white matter
T2 hyperintensities