Progressive White Matter Changes in Mitochondrial Disease: A Quantitative MRI Study

Abstract

Primary mitochondrial diseases frequently affect the central nervous system, yet the extent, distribution and progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) remain insufficiently characterised, particularly in terms of quantitative volumetrics and longitudinal progression. Although WMHs are typically attributed to cerebral small-vessel disease, mitochondrial disorders may cause white matter injury through distinct vascular and metabolic mechanisms. We conducted a retrospective single-centre study at Turku University Hospital including 36 patients with mitochondrial disease, each with at least one brain MRI (73 images). Longitudinal data were available for 15 patients. Three-dimensional T1-weighted and FLAIR images (1.5/3 T) were analysed with the FDA-cleared cNeuro tool to obtain intracranial volume–normalised WMH and lesion volumes and an automated global Fazekas score. At baseline (median age 49 years), WMHs were present in all supratentorial regions. Over time, WMH volumes increased significantly in periventricular, deep and juxtacortical regions, while lesion progression was predominantly periventricular. Fazekas scores remained generally low and stable. In follow-up imaging, women and patients carrying the m.3243A>G variant showed a greater burden of WMHs and lesions, compared with men and those with other mitochondrial diagnoses. WMH load did not differ according to history of stroke-like episodes. Mitochondrial disease is associated with early and progressive WMH accumulation, particularly in individuals with the m.3243A>G variant, and the pattern exceeds what would be expected from conventional vascular risk factors alone. These findings support a disease-specific mechanism of white matter vulnerability and highlight the importance of quantitative MRI for monitoring progression in mitochondrial disease.