Linear hyperintensity objects on magnetic resonance imaging related to hypertension.

Linear hyperintensity lesions, which are sometimes recognized in the cerebral white matter on T(2)-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images, have never been studied from the clinical viewpoint. We refer to these lesions as linear hyperintensity objects (LHOs) and have investigated them quantitatively. Twenty-six consecutive patients underwent routine 1.5-Tesla MR imaging. LHOs were found in 24 patients. We measured the width and number of LHOs at the upper corona radiata level on T(2)-weighted images (repetition time: 4,500.0 ms, echo time: 96.0 ms) using a scale loupe. The diameters were significantly correlated with the stages of hypertension (WHO classification). The LHOs may associated with the dilated perivascular spaces of cortical medullary arteries and may become an indicator for hypertensive small vessel disease. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel