Original article：A new diagnostic algorithm for vascular cognitive impairment： the proposed criteria and evaluation of its reliability and validity

Background Vascular cognitive impairment （VCI） is considered to be the most common pattern of cognitive impairment. We aimed to devise a diagnostic algorithm for VCI, and evaluate the reliability and validity of our proposed criteria. Methods We based our new algorithm on previous literature, a Delphi consensus method, and preliminary testing. First, successive 100 patients with cerebrovascular disease （CVD） in hospital underwent a structured medical examination. Twenty-five case vignettes fulfilled the proposed criteria of diagnosis for probable or possible VCI were divided into three subtype categories： vascular cognitive impairment, no dementia （VCIND）, vascular dementia （VaD） or mixed VCI/Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）. Inter-raters reliability was assessed using a Fleiss kappa analysis. Convergent validity was also evaluated by correlation coefficients （r） between the proposed key points for each subtype and the currently accepted criteria. Forty-five patients with probable VCI were examined to determine the accuracy of identification for each subtype. Results The proposed criteria showed clinical diagnostic validity for VCI, and were able to define probable, possible and definite VCI, three VCI subtypes, and vascular causes. There was good consensus between experts （Cronbach＇s a=0.96 for both rounds）. Significant moderate to good items-total correlations were found for two questionnaires （50-r range, 0.40-0.97 and 0.41-0.99, respectively）. Significant slight and moderate inter-raters reliability were obtained for VCI （k=0.13） and three VCI subtypes （k=0.45）. Furthermore, good convergent validity was observed in a comparison of significant correlations between criteria： good （4-r range, 0.75-0.92） to perfect （3-r=1.00） validity for the VCIND subtype, and moderate to good validity for the VaD subtype （1-r=0.46; 5-r range, 0.76-0.92） and for the mixed VCI/AD subtype （r=0.92 and 1.00; 4-r range, 0.47-0.70）. Importantly, the area under receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves for the subtypes of VCIND, VaD and mixed VCI/AD were 0.85, 0.67 and 0.93, respectively. Conclusion Our results suggest that the new VCI diagnostic algorithm might be a suitable clinical approach for assessing stroke patients.     

Antimicrobial resistance and molecular epidemiological characteristics of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in Changsha area

Background  Increasing prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has been reported in China. In this study, we investigated the drug resistance characteristic, genetic background, and molecular epidemiological characteristic of S. aureus in Changsha.

Methods  Between January 2006 and December 2008, 293 clinical isolates of S. aureus were collected from 11 hospitals in Changsha and identified by the Vitek-2 system. All the isolates were verified as MRSA by PCR amplification of both femA and mecA genes. K-B disk method was used to test drug sensitivity of S. aureus to antibiotics. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed for genotypic and homologous analysis of 115 isolates randomly selected from the original 293 clinical S. aureus isolates.

Results  S. aureus was highly resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin with resistant rates of 96.6%, 96.6%, 77.1%, and 67.2% respectively. All the isolates were susceptible to tecoplanin, vancomycin, and linezolid. MRSA accounted for 64.8% (190/293) of all the S. aureus strains. The 115 S. aureus isolates were clustered into 39 PFGE types by PFGE typing, with 13 predominant patterns (designated types A to M) accounting for 89 isolates. The most prevalent PFGE type was type A (n=56, 48.7%) and 100.0% of type A strains were MRSA. PFGE type A included 13 subtypes, and the most prevalent subtype was subtype A1 (46.4%, 26/56). Strains with PFGE type A were isolated from eight hospitals (8/11), and both subtypes A1 and A4 strains were isolated in a university hospital.

Conclusions  Clinical isolates of S. aureus in Changsha were resistant to multiple traditional antibiotics. There was an outbreak of PFGE type A MRSA in this area and the A1 subtype was the predominant epidemic clone. Dissemination of the same clone was an important reason for the wide spread of MRSA.     

Hemodynamic parameters obtained by transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterization: a comparative study in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Background  Hemodynamic evaluation is crucial for the management of patients with pulmonary hypertention. Clinicians often prefer a rapid and non-invasive method. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of transthoracic echocardiography for the measurements of hemodynamic parameters in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Methods  A prospective single-center study was conducted among 42 patients with pulmonary hypertension caused by different diseases. Transthoracic echocardiography and right-heart catheterization were performed within 24 hours. Pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic and mean pressure (PASP, PADP and PAMP), cardiac output (CO), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were measured by both methods. A linear correlation and a Bland-Altman analysis were performed to compare the two groups of hemodynamic parameters.

Results  A good correlation was found between invasive and non-invasive measurements for PASP (r=0.96), PADP (r=0.85), PAMP (r=0.88), CO (r=0.82), and PCWP (r=0.81). Further agreement analysis done by the Bland-Altman method showed that bias and a 95% confidence interval for PASP, PADP, and CO were clinically acceptable while great discrepancies existed for PAMP and PCWP.

Conclusions  The non-invasive measurements by PASP, PADP, and CO in patients with pulmonary hypertension correlate well with the invasive determinations. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was inappropriate for estimating PCWP and PAMP.

     

Pyogenic liver abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae: analysis of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 84 patients

Background  The increased incidence of pyogenic liver abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pneumoniae) was reported in the recent literature. This study was conducted retrospectively to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients.
Methods  Microbiological and medical databases of a medical center were searched from January 2000 to June 2003. Eighty-four patients with liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae were analyzed.
Results  In the 84 patients, 52 men and 32 women aged (58.2±13.3) years on average, 64.4% had concomitant diabetes mellitus and 23.8% had biliary disease. The most common clinical symptoms were fever (98.8%), chills (69.0%) and abdominal pain (58.3%). 85.7% of the 84 patients received catheter drainage for the abscess. The length of hospital stay was (17.4±8.7) days. The mortality rate was 7.1%. Older age and presence of biliary disease were associated with mortality.
Conclusions  The low mortality of our patients was probably related to the high proportion of patients who received catheter drainage. Older age and presence of biliary disease were associated with the mortality.

     

Identification of seven novel mutations in the factor VIII gene in 18 unrelated Chinese patients with hemophilia A

Background  Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder caused by decreased activity of factor VIII (FVIII) due to heterogenous mutations in the FVIII coding gene (F8). The type of mutation plays an important role in the FVIII inhibitor formation. To date, several studies on the spectra of F8 defects have been performed in Western populations, but similar studies in Asian races are scarce. Here, we reported the distribution of the F8 gene mutations in 18 unrelated Chinese patients with HA.
Methods  Intron 22 and intron 1 inversions in the F8 gene were screened in 158 unrelated patients with HA using a long-distance PCR and multiplex PCR method. Direct sequencing of the coding region of the F8 gene was used to identify the mutations responsible for HA in 18 unrelated Chinese HA patients who were negative for intron 22 and intron 1 inversions; sequences were compared with the HAMSTeRS database. A clotting method was used to assay the FVIII activity level and the Bethesda assay was used to detect the FVIII inhibitor.
Results  A total of 18 different HA F8 mutations were identified, seven of which were described for the first time. These novel mutations included five small deletions, one point mutation and one small insertion. One novel mutation (4382-3 AC deletion) was associated with inhibitor development.
Conclusion  These data extend our insight into the mechanisms by which novel amino acid mutations may lead to HA and how the HA patient genotypes influence the risk of FVIII inhibitor.

     

Arthroscopic treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus: analysis of outcome predictors

Background  Compared with traditional arthrotomy procedures, arthroscopic treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus has some advantages. However, there has been considerable debate about the outcome predictors for this surgical technique. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus, and analyze its outcome predictors.
Methods  Clinical data of 48 patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus who underwent ankle arthroscopy were studied. Arthroscopic debridement was performed on all patients, and microfracture was also performed in 36 cases. Scores on a subjective satisfaction questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scores were obtained before and after surgery.
Results  Five patients lost to follow up. The other forty-three patients, 8 of whom were athletes, were followed up for an average of 23.9 months. The average AOFAS post-operative score was 90.16±9.96, compared with 70.81±6.96 before surgery (t=9.353, P <0.001). The VAS pain score after the operation (2.51±2.45) was significantly lower than that before the operation (6.95±1.40) (t=8.647, P <0.001). Of the 43 patients, 35 (81.4%) had good or excellent results. There was no significant difference in outcome between the medial and lateral groups (z=0.205, P=0.838), while a better outcome was found with lesions smaller than 10 mm than those with larger lesions (z=2.199, P=0.028). Age, sex, athletic profession and location of the lesion did not significantly correlate with outcomes.
Conclusions  Arthroscopic treatment is effective and safe for osteochondral lesions of the talus. A strong correlation was found between the size of the lesion and successful outcome.

     

Prognostic value of baseline C-reactive protein levels in patients undergoing coronary revascularization

Background  C-reactive protein (CRP) is a lowly expressed marker for inflammatory response. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of baseline CRP levels in patients undergoing coronary revascularization in the context of modern medical treatment.
Methods  This was a retrospective study in a single center. Four hundred and fourteen patients were enrolled, who underwent coronary revascularization and received adequate medication for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. The study compared the follow-up clinical outcomes between high level CRP group (CRP >5 mg/L) and low level one. The median follow-up time was 551 days.
Results  Compared with low CRP group, the relative risk (RR) of the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) in high CRP group was 5.131 (95% CI: 1.864–14.123, P=0.002). There were no significant differences in death, myocardial infarction and stroke during the follow-up between two groups, but a higher risk of re-revascularization was found in high CRP group (RR 6.008, 95% CI: 1.667–21.665, P=0.006). Cox regression analysis showed that only CRP level could contribute to MACCE during the follow-up. MACCE-free rate was much lower in high CRP group (Kaplan-Meier log-rank P <0.001).
Conclusion  In the context of modern medical treatment, the baseline level of CRP is an independent predictor for long-term prognosis in patients with coronary revascularization.

     

A novel angiographic technique, StentBoost, in comparison with intravascular ultrasound to assess stent expansion

Background  StentBoost (SB) is a novel angiographic technique which can enhance stent visualization and improve detection of inadequate stent expansion. Studies of SB that compare it with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which is the current gold standard for detection of stent underexpansion, remain inadequate. This study aimed to test the correlation of IVUS and SB, and to evaluate the effect of SB guiding the stent postdilatation.

Methods  From March 2009 to June 2010, 52 patients were analyzed using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), IVUS, and SB. They included 37 patients (54 stents) with postdilatation and 15 patients (21 stents) without postdilatation. Correlations of stent diameter between the three modalities were determined.

Results  The minimum diameter, maximum diameter and average diameter of postdilatation obtained by QCA, IVUS, SB were significantly larger than that of poststenting, and the ratio (maximum stent diameter (MaxLD)–minimum stent diameter (MinLD))/MaxLD of postdilatation was smaller. Correlations of MinLD were the highest between IVUS and SB (r=0.979, P <0.0001) when compared with QCA and SB (r=0.973, P <0.0001), and QCA and IVUS (r=0.964, P <0.0001).

Conclusions  SB has superior correlations for stent expansion measured by IVUS when compared with QCA. In addition, there is an important advantage for SB in guiding the stent postdilatation.

     

Evaluation of global and regional left ventricular systolic function in patients with frequent isolated premature ventricular complexes from the right ventricular outflow tract

Background  Frequent premature ventricular complexes from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT-PVCs) are associated with left ventricular dysfunction. This study adopted two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging to evaluate global and regional left ventricular myocardial function in patients with frequent RVOT-PVCs.
Methods  This study included 30 patients with frequent RVOT-PVCs and 30 healthy subjects. Aortic systolic velocity-time integral (AoVTI) and myocardium strain in circumferential (CS), radial (RS) and longitudinal (LS) directions were evaluated by conventional echocardiography and speckle tracking imaging. All values of patients with RVOT-PVCs were recorded during sinus (PVC-S) and PVC beats (PVC-V).
Results  Significant differences were demonstrated in global CS, RS and LS between the control subjects and the PVC-V (CS: (17.46±2.48)% vs. (11.52±3.28)%, RS: (48.26±10.20)% vs. (20.92±9.78)%, LS: (19.89±2.62)% vs. (11.79±3.66)%, P <0.01), and in segmental RS and LS of nearly all the left ventricular segments. Statistical differences in segmental CS between the PVC-V and the control subjects were only observed in anterior, anteroseptal and septal segments (only seen in anteroseptal and septal segments at apex). Furthermore, V/S AoVTI (AoVTI during the PVC beat divided by AoVTI during the sinus beat, then multiplied by 100%) correlated with coupling interval (r=0.67, P <0.001) and global strain (CS: r=0.48, P=0.007; RS: r=0.65, P <0.001; LS: r=0.65, P <0.001).
Conclusions  Frequent RVOT-PVCs can induce global and regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The reduction of hemodynamic parameters relates to the coupling interval and the global systolic function.

     

New variables for measuring joint space width to evaluate knee osteoarthritis

Background  Assessing the radiographic features of knee osteoarthritis (OA), especially joint space narrowing, is important for evaluating disease progression. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively analyze joint space narrowing by measuring 2 new variables: the average joint space width (aJSW) and the articulate angle (AA) on X-ray films, and to evaluate the relationship between the 2 variables, knee function and OA symptoms.

Methods  Using the web-based radiology viewer (Cedara I-Reach™ 4.1.1), we measured the 2 variables in 50 knees of 41 patients with knee OA participating in the Shanghai OA Study. We also evaluated the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC), and additional questionnaire in OA knees. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital (No. 2009-28).

Results  The aJSW correlated with the K-L grade (r=–0.57, P <0.001), kneeling (r=–0.29, P=0.04), sitting cross-legged on the floor (r=–0.31, P=0.03), WOMAC pain (r=–0.31, P=0.03), WOMAC disability (r=–0.35, P=0.01), pain while squatting (r=–0.37, P=0.01), and defecating in a squatting position (r=–0.39, P = 0.01). The AA correlated with defecating in a squatting position (r=0.29, P=0.05), WOMAC disability (r=0.30, P=0.04) and K-L grade (r=0.44, P=0.003). The K-L grade also correlated with pain while squatting (r=–0.40, P=0.005) and defecating in a squatting position (r=–0.34, P=0.02), WOMAC pain (r=0.30, P=0.04), and WOMAC disability (r=0.30, P=0.04).

Conclusions  The aJSW closely correlated with knee OA symptoms and function scores, and was more sensitive to knee OA related disabilities than K-L grade and the AA. The aJSW could be used as a new variable for knee OA evaluation.

     

Diagnosis advances in vascular cognitive impairment

Vascular cognitive impairment(VCI) encompasses the entire range of cognitive deficits associated with cerebrovascular disease(CVD), from mild deficits with little or no functional impairment, such as vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia(VCIND), to full-blown vascular dementia(VaD). Accurate diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment is important but may be difficult. In this review we report advances in VCI in the following areas: etiology, subtypes, neuropsychology, biomarkers, neuroimaging, and diagnostic criteria.     

电刺激小脑顶核治疗不同程度血管性认知障碍的疗效研究

目的观察电刺激小脑顶核(FNS)在治疗不同程度血管性认知障碍(VCI)患者中的临床疗效。方法选取我院2009年1月—2011年6月60例VCI患者,包括非痴呆的血管性认知障碍(VCIND)患者(VCIND组)和血管性痴呆(VaD)患者(VaD组),每组各30例。所有患者在常规药物治疗基础上,采用FNS治疗。观察两组患者治疗前后事件相关电位-P300(ERP-P300)及蒙特利尔认知评估量表(MoCA)评分的情况,并进行比较。结果治疗后VCIND组患者MoCA评分、ERP-P300潜伏期及波幅与治疗前比较,差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为18.58、26.88、10.06,P<0.01)。治疗后VaD组患者MoCA评分、ERP-P300潜伏期及波幅与治疗前比较,差异亦均有统计学意义(t值分别为2.54、2.81、2.81,P<0.01)。两组患者MoCA评分、ERP-P300潜伏期及波幅治疗前后的差值比较,差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为9.81、20.12、30.16,P<0.01)。结论 FNS可改善VCI患者的认知功能,对VCIND患者更为有效。     

血管性认知障碍研究进展

血管性认知障碍(VCI)指由脑血管病以及脑血管危险因素导致的认知障碍,它包括了从轻微认知损害(MCI)到血管性痴呆(VaD)。现从VCI的定义、分类、流行病学资料、危险因素、评估手段、诊断标准、预防和治疗措施等方面对VCI及其研究进展进行概述,以加强对VCI的认识,做到早诊断、早预防、早治疗,延缓MCI向VaD进展。     

血管性痴呆与血管性认知功能障碍

血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VaD)主要是由脑血管病变引起的,可分为多梗塞性,皮层下小血管病变,特殊功能部位梗塞如角回、丘脑、额叶梗塞等.卒中后痴呆与基线智力、年龄、受教育程度和血管危险因素有关.血管性认知障碍(vascular cognitive impairment,VCI)包括VaD、血管性认知障碍非痴呆,及阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)伴血管病变.VCI概念有助于VaD二级预防治疗和研究.     

血管性认知障碍载脂蛋白E基因多态性与中医辨证的相关性研究

目的探讨血管性认知障碍（VCI）载脂蛋白E基因（ApoE）多态性与中医辨证的相关性。方法研究共纳入105例健康对照组（NC组）及103例血管性认知障碍患者（VCI组）,将VCI组进一步诊断为血管性痴呆（VaD）亚组35例和非痴呆型血管性认知障碍（VCIND）亚组68例,检测其ApoE基因型与中医辨证分型相关性。结果 VCI组中VaD亚组E3/3基因型、ε3等位基因频率明显低于NC组;E3/4基因型及ε4等位基因频率明显高于NC组;VCI患者中E3/4基因型及ε4等位基因在肾精亏虚证、痰浊阻窍证、瘀血阻窍证阳性率较高,均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论 ApoEε4基因可能是VCI患者中VaD亚型的危险因素,与VCI患者发生肾精亏虚证、痰浊阻窍证、瘀血阻窍证有关。     

奥拉西坦对不同程度血管性认知障碍的疗效比较

目的:观察奥拉西坦在治疗不同程度血管性认知障碍(vascular cognitive impairment,VCI)患者中的临床疗效?方法:选取VCI患者60例,包括非痴呆的血管性认知障碍(vascular cognitive impairment no dementia,VCIND)患者和血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VD)患者各30例?所有患者在常规药物治疗的基础上口服奥拉西坦治疗?观察两组患者治疗前后事件相关电位-P300(event-related potentials P300,ERP-P300)及蒙特利尔认知功能评估量表(montreal cognitive assessment,MoCA)评分的变化,并进行比较?结果:患者治疗后MoCA均较前增高(VCIND:t = 11.886,P < 0.01;VD:t = 2.242,P < 0.05)?治疗后VCIND患者P300潜伏期明显缩短(t = 5.799,P < 0.01),波幅明显增高(t = 17.603,P < 0.01),差异有统计学意义,而VD患者P300无明显改变(潜伏期:t = 1.414,P > 0.05;波幅:t = 1.069,P > 0.05)?两组患者MoCA?ERP-P300潜伏期及波幅治疗前后的差值比较,差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为2.135?4.402?7.682,P < 0.05)?结论:奥拉西坦可改善VCI患者的认知功能,对VCIND患者更为有效?     

谷红注射液联合奥拉西坦治疗血管性认知障碍的疗效观察

目的观察谷红注射液联合奥拉西坦治疗血管性认知功能障碍(VCI)的临床疗效及其不良反应。方法筛选住院的血管性认功能知障碍患者226例,按神经心理学评分标准分为血管性非痴呆的认知功能损害(VCIND)层115例、血管性痴呆(VaD)层111例,每层再随机分为观察组和对照组。观察组给予谷红注射液联合奥拉西坦治疗,对照组给予生理盐水加奥拉西坦治疗。治疗前、后采用MoCA和ADL评分对患者进行神经心理学评分。结果治疗8周后,观察组和对照组的神经心理学评分均提高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);VCIND层观察组评分改善优于对照组(P<0.05);观察组中,VCIND层评分改善明显优于VaD层(P<0.05)。两组不良反应发生率分别为6.25%、4.50%,均未见严重不良反应。结论谷红注射液联合奥拉西坦治疗VCI的临床疗效较好,不良反应少,值得在临床中推广。     

血管性认知障碍患者血清胱抑素C水平研究

  目的  明确血清胱抑素C(CysC)在血管性认知障碍(VCI)患者中的表达,探讨两者间的相关性及CysC的临床预测价值。  方法  纳入蚌埠医学院第一附属医院2021年1月—2022年2月诊治的VCI患者96例。根据患者日常生活能力及蒙特利尔认知量表(MoCA)评分将患者分为血管性痴呆(VaD)组(35例)和血管性认知障碍非痴呆(VCIND)组(61例),另选取83例认知和颅脑CT/MRI均表现正常的健康老人为对照(NC)组。比较3组基线资料及CysC水平,分析CysC与VCI患者总体认知及特定认知域的关系,采用二元logistic回归分析和ROC曲线评估VCI发生的相关危险因素及CysC对其发生的预测价值。  结果  3组年龄、高血压、糖尿病、卒中史、CysC和MoCA评分差异有统计学意义(均P < 0.05);NC组、VCIND组和VaD组CysC表达水平依次升高,两两比较差异有统计学意义(均P < 0.05);CysC与VCI患者MoCA总评分以及视空间与执行力、命名、计算与注意力、语言、定向、延迟记忆呈负相关关系(均P < 0.05);Logistic回归分析显示CysC表达升高可能是VCI发生的独立危险因素(P < 0.05);ROC曲线分析显示CysC预测VCI发生的AUC为0.758,灵敏度为70.8%,特异度为77.1%,最佳截断值为0.99 mg/L。  结论  血清胱抑素C在VCI中高表达并与认知损害严重程度相关,是认知障碍发生的独立影响因素,有望成为VCI早期评估的生物学指标。      

血管性认知功能障碍患者脑血流灌注显像特点

目的 探讨血管性认知功能障碍（VCI）患者各脑区脑血流灌注显像特点,同时探讨局部脑缺血程度与血管性认知功能障碍严重程度的相关性.方法 应用单光子发射断层扫描（SPECT）对不同程度VCI患者的各脑叶及基底节区的局部脑血流量进行定量分析,其中血管性认知障碍而无痴呆（vascular cognitive impairment no dementa,VCIND）组即中度组18例,重度VCI（vascular dementia,VD）组24例及年龄、性别、受教育程度与实验组相匹配的22例正常对照组.结果 SPECT显示：VCIND组,重度VCI（VD）组与对照组相比均有认知相关部位的脑血流灌注减低.重度VCI组与VCIND组相比额叶、颞叶、基底节和顶叶局部脑血流灌注均减少（P＜0.05）,并且均以额叶、颞叶血流灌注减少最为显著（P＜0.01）,重度VCI（VD）组额叶、颞叶血流灌注减低与MMSE评分间均存在正相关关系（P额＜0.01及P颞＜0.05）.结论 SPECT对VCI患者有早期辅助诊断价值,即使对VCIND组SPECT也同样敏感.其对于VCI的预测、早期治疗都有重要意义.     

血管性认知障碍发病机制的研究进展

目前,血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,Va D)患者逐年增多,仅次于阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD),居于痴呆发病原因第二位。而血管性痴呆是唯一可通过早诊断、早治疗达到控制病情进展,甚至达到临床痊愈的痴呆。VaD是由血管性认知障碍(vascular cognitive impairment,VCI)发展而来。由此可见,了解血管性认知障碍的发病机制,研究出早期防治的有效方法,具有重要的临床意义和社会价值。本文通过回顾近几年的相关文献,较为系统的阐述了VCI的发病机制,从影像学、病理生理学以及关键部位等几方面的研究进展进行重点介绍。