Research progress of pathophysiological concepts in cerebral small vessel disease

Abstract

The current definition of cerebral small vessels refers to all vascular structures ranging from 5 μ m to 2 mm in diameter in the brain parenchyma and they encompass small arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules and small veins. Different diameters of cerebral small vessels have different distribution, and predilection to different types of pathophysiological process. Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), including lacunar infarct (LACI), white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), have different pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors. Arterial stiffness is independently associated with all components of cSVD.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2016.11.007