Evaluation of MRI-detected White Matter Changes in Relation to Hemodialysis Duration and Renal Transplantation

Abstract

Compared to the normal population, renal transplant recipients and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis have a higher incidence of white matter changes (WMC) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lesions appear as focal or patchy areas in the periventricular white matter. Both these patient groups are known to be affected by accelerated atherosclerosis, which produces small-vessel disease. This may lead to thromboembolic complications that cause these white matter lesions. This study retrospectively assessed the frequency of MRI-detected WMC in ESRD patients on hemodialysis and kidney recipients, and correlated the rates with hemodialysis duration and post-transplantation interval. Focal and patchy type lesions were distinguished, and the frequencies of these were studied. Also, in the respective groups, comparisons were made among patients with different hemodialysis durations and post-transplantation intervals. The results showed that specifically focal lesions increase in parallel with hemodialysis duration, but there was no statistical relationship between WMC and post-transplantation interval.