Increased extracellular free water is related to white matter hyperintensity burden

Background Extracellular free water (FW) has important roles in the occurrence and development of white matter hyperintensity (WMH). Purpose To explore the correlations between FW and WMH burden. Material and Methods A prospective analysis was conducted using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 126 individuals. WMH burden was determined based on WMH volumes and Fazekas scores from deep and periventricular white matter hyperintensity (DWMH and PWMH, respectively) in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. FW values were taken from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results Univariate analysis showed that FW values were correlated with WMH burden, including WMH volumes and DWMH and PWMH Fazekas scores ( P < 0.05). After multivariate analysis, FW values were correlated with WMH volumes and DWMH and PWMH Fazekas scores when adjusted for age and hypertension ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Using MRI, increasing extracellular FW was related to WMH burden.