Table 1 Description of neuroimaging features of cerebral small vessel disease on MRI
International consensus definition [2] | Common rating scales/definitions | Examples of features counted as “present” in review | |
|---|---|---|---|
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) | Signal abnormality of variable size in the white matter with hyperintensity on T2-weighted images without cavitation | • Age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) score • Fazekas score • Scheltens score • Quantitative volumetric measurements | • ARWMC score of 5 or greater (moderate–severe) • Fazekas periventricular = 3 and/or deep ≥2 • WMH volume ≥7.7 mL [3] |
Lacunar infarcts | Round/ovoid subcortical fluid-filled cavity 3–15 mm in diameter in the territory of one perforating arteriole | ≥1 lacune | |
Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) | Small (≤10 mm) areas of signal void with associated blooming on T2*-MRI or other sequences sensitive to susceptibility effects | • Brain observer microbleed score (BOMBS) • Microbleed anatomical rating scale (MARS) | ≥1 microbleed |
Enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS) | Fluid-filled spaces following the typical course of a vessel through grey or white matter, isointense to CSF on all sequences. Linear when images parallel to the vessel and round or ovoid when perpendicular. In constrast with lacunes, no T2-hyperintense rim on T2/FLAIR unless they traverse WMH | • Edinburgh score |