White matter hyperintensity volume predicts persistent cognitive impairment in transient ischemic attack and minor stroke.

BackgroundTemporary and permanent cognitive changes following transient ischemic attack/minor stroke have been described previously. It is unknown if persisting cognitive deficits in these patients are correlated with acute infarction identified using magnetic resonance imaging.AimsWe tested the hypothesis that persistent cognitive impairment after transient ischemic attack/minor stroke can be predicted by the volume of diffusion-weighted imaging lesions.MethodsAcute transient ischemic attack/minor stroke (NIH stroke scale score ≤ 3) patients were prospectively recruited within 72 h of onset. Patients underwent Montreal cognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion-weighted imaging and Fluid-Attenuated Inverse Recovery sequences, at baseline, days 7 and 30. Cognitive testing was repeated at day 90. Diffusion-weighted imaging lesion and Fluid-Attenuated Inverse Recovery chronic white matter hyperintensity volumes were measured planimetrically. Cognitive impairment was defined a p...