Abstract
The clinical significance of incidental white-matter foci seen on MRI is controversial. Mainly using a computer-assisted neuropsychological test battery, we tested the hypothesis that there is a clinical correlate of these foci. We studied 41 individuals aged 45–65 years with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorder, in whom no indication of central nervous system abnormalities was found on standardised neurological examination. A computer-assisted neuropsychological test battery, with the advantage of precise measuring of both time and deviation (e. g. in position memory tests), and rating scales for emotional dysfunction were administered; selected soft neurological signs were assessed. In 16 subjects (39 %) MRI showed high-signal foci in the white matter on spin-echo sequences. White-matter foci not adjacent to the lateral ventricles were found to be related to performance on immediate visual memory/visuoperceptual skills, visuomotor tracking/psychomotor speed and, to a lesser degree, learning capacity and abstract and conceptual reasoning skills. Subtle cognitive dysfunction would appear to be a clinical correlate of punctate white-matter foci on MRI of otherwise “healty” individuals.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 6 November 1995 Accepted: 19 December 1995
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Baum, K., Schulte, C., Girke, W. et al. Incidental white-matter foci on MRI in “healthy” subjects: evidence of subtle cognitive dysfunction. Neuroradiology 38, 755–760 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002340050342
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002340050342