Modern understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of small vessel disease

Abstract

Cerebrovascular pathology occupies the leading position among the causes of mortality and long-term disability in high-, middle- and low-income countries, which indicates the extreme relevance of finding new strategies for the prevention of these diseases. Today, acute ischemic stroke and vascular cognitive disorders, including vascular dementia, are among the most common forms of cerebrovascular diseases. Damage to cerebral small vessels plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of both conditions. The article analyzed literature data on the main and probable pathogenetic mechanisms of cerebral small vessel disease. Keywords used to select the literature in PubMed National Library of Medicine included: small vessel disease, white matter hyperintensity, lacunae, enlarged perivascular spaces, brain atrophy, vascular cognitive disorders. The study of the pathogenetic mechanisms of cerebral microangiopathy or cerebral small vessel disease will allow clinical and scientific research to be directed to the search for pathogenetically justified treatment and prevention strategies, which is extremely important for such patients.