Asymmetry of Lacunae between Brain Hemispheres Is Associated with Atherosclerotic Occlusions of Middle Cerebral Artery

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) commonly coexists with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Previous studies have tried to evaluate the relationship between ICAS and CSVD; however, they yielded varied conclusions. Furthermore, methodology of these is not very rigorous, as evaluated association CSVD bilateral hemispheres rather than affected hemisphere. Unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (uni-MCAO) a favorable model solve this problem. Material methods: Patients uni-MCAO were retrospectively observed. Imaging characteristics, including lacunae, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), microbleeds (CMBs), compared hemisphere ipsilateral MCAO contralateral Results: A total 219 patients (median age 57 years; 156 males) enrolled. Compared side, increased quality lacunae (median, IQR, 0, 2 vs. 1; p < 0.001) elevated score 1 = 0.004) found in occluded No significant differences shown for WMH, EPVS, CMBs. Conclusions: Uni-MCAO has higher prevalence However, no interhemispheric or CMBs found.