Reduced white matter venous density is associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment: a susceptibility weighted imaging study

High resolution SWI images provide unique contrast to small venous vasculature. The conspicuity of small veins on SWI venography, such as deep medullary vein in white matter (WM), is susceptible to venous blood oxygenation level changes. This study demonstrates a significant association between WM venous density and neurodegenerative feature characterized by brain atrophy in the elderly, but no significant association of WM venous density to white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) load. Further clinical correlative analysis revealed a significant correlation of WM venous density to semantic fluency and different stages of cognitive status.