Foci of subcortical and deep white matter T2 hypertensities, often seen on MRI scans, are typically indicative of underlying pathologies such as small vessel disease, demyelination, or inflammatory processes. These hyperintensities represent areas of increased water content, which can be associated with ischemia or other neurological conditions. Their presence may correlate with clinical symptoms, including cognitive decline or motor dysfunction, depending on the location and extent of the lesions. Evaluation of these findings is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
It is superficial to the white matter.
Extensive confluent patchy foci of T2 signal in the deep and subcortical white matter, particularly in the periventricular regions, often suggest the presence of demyelinating disease, such as multiple sclerosis, or vascular changes related to chronic ischemia. These MRI findings indicate areas of increased water content, potentially reflecting inflammation or injury to the white matter. Further clinical correlation and additional imaging studies may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and its significance.
what does this mean? Impression: There are scattered foci of T2/FLAIR hyperintensity within the periventricular, deep and subcortical white matter. The findings are nonspecific but may be seen in mild to moderate small vessel ischemic changes. No evidence for acute infarct or hemorrhage.
no the report says normal gray white differentiation
Gray matter is deep to white matter in the spinal cord. Gray matter contains cell bodies of neurons and is responsible for processing sensory information and initiating motor responses, while white matter contains nerve fibers that transmit signals between different parts of the nervous system.
basal ganglia
White matter forms the bulk of the deep parts of the brain and the superficial parts of the spinal cord. Aggregates of gray matter such as the basal ganglia (caudate nucleus, putamen,globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, nucleus accumbens) and brain stem nuclei (red nucleus, substantia nigra, cranial nerve nuclei) are spread within the cerebral white matter. The cerebellum is structured in a similar manner as the cerebrum, with a superficial mantle of cerebellar cortex, deep cerebellar white matter (called the "arbor vitae") and aggregates of grey matter surrounded by deep cerebellar white matter (dentate nucleus, globose nucleus, emboliform nucleus, and fastigial nucleus). The fluid-filled cerebral ventricles (lateral ventricles,third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, fourth ventricle) are also located deep within the cerebral white matter. Source: Link below. I didn't think of this. All the credit belongs to this website! Not me!
The nuclei deep within the cerebral hemisphere white matter are collectively called basal ganglia. These structures are involved in many motor functions and play a role in various cognitive functions as well.
White matter is found in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In the CNS, white matter is located deep in the brain and on the outer part of the spinal cord, consisting of myelinated axons that facilitate communication between different parts of the brain. In the PNS, white matter is present in the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, serving to transmit signals between the CNS and the rest of the body.
To oversimplify it significantly with an analogy, the grey matter is data processing neurons and the white matter is the myelin insulated cabling axons of those neurons that interconnects them to exchange data. Myelin is fatty, giving the white color to the white matter.
Apparently some of the white matter cells around the ventricles have died due to small blood vessel inability to supply them with enough oxygen. Basically the brain's gray matter are our pools of information. The brain's white matter relays signals. These signals access and connect gray matter information to help us carry out physical and mental acts, from walking etc., to remembering stuff.
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