Perivascular spaces and headache: A population-based imaging study (HUNT-MRI)

Abstract

In contrast to previous studies, the present large, blinded, population-based study showed no increase in number of dilated PVS among headache sufferers. Fewer PVS among those with migraine without aura may be a spurious finding.

Incidental Findings and Normal Anatomical Variants on MRI of the Brain in Adults for Primary Headaches

“…However, dilated VRS can be present in the following disorders: metabolic/genetic; vascular; inflammatory; neoplastic; neuroectodermal; mild traumatic brain injury; and miscellaneous including Parkinson's and chronic alcoholism. VRS are not more common in migraineurs from ages 50 to 65 years as compared to headache‐free people …”

“…In the Norwegian county population-based study of 1006 people between the ages of 5-66 years who had 1.5 T MRI scans, VRS were present in all (except 9 excluded for poor image quality). 72 Two of the 125 subjects (ages 16 and 24 years) or 1.6% had dilated (focal expansions that were either irregular or ectatic in appearance) VRS as normal variants. However, dilated VRS can be present in the following disorders: metabolic/genetic; vascular; inflammatory; neoplastic; neuroectodermal; mild traumatic brain injury; and miscellaneous including Parkinson's and chronic alcoholism.…”

“…In a study of 36 patients (ages 2‐16 years) using routine sequences, VRS were present in 80%. In the Norwegian county population‐based study of 1006 people between the ages of 5‐66 years who had 1.5 T MRI scans, VRS were present in all (except 9 excluded for poor image quality) …”

“…VRS are not more common in migraineurs from ages 50 to 65 years as compared to headache-free people. 72 VRS can be mistaken for lacunar infarcts. Dilated VRS are smaller and more round and linear with normal adjacent white matter than the more wedgeshaped lacunar infarcts with a rim of surrounding gliosis on the fluid attenuation inversion recovery sequence.…”

Paranasal sinus opacification in headache sufferers: A population-based imaging study (the HUNT study-MRI)

“…Of these, 554 did not respond to the invitation, were excluded owing to general MRI contraindications, stratification or because the examination had to be terminated during the scan, leaving 1006 participants who gave written consent and had the MRI. Details of the HUNT MRI study are described elsewhere (15)(16)(17). After the MRI examinations were performed in the period July 2007 to December 2009, 24 participants were excluded from this particular study because of low image quality of the paranasal sinuses.…”