Pattern of structural magnetic resonance imaging lesions in the patients with progressive cognitive decline: A single-center study in Southeast Nigeria

Objectives: The aim of the index study was to describe the pattern and frequency of structural brain lesions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with dementia. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study carried out in Memfys Hospital in Enugu, South East Nigeria, to review all MRIs of patients who presented with progressive cognitive decline. Results: Out of a total of 147 (86.5%) scan reviewed, 6 (6.8%) had normal brain scan, while 95 (64.6%) had brain atrophy, followed by white matter lesions 78 (49.7%). Strokes, including lacunar stroke, were seen in 44 (29.9%). Hydrocephalus (14.3%) and brain tumors (11.6%) were the most common surgical lesion found. Patients with atrophy (P < 0.01) and white matter lesions (P < 0.01) were significantly older compared to the average age of the cohort, while patients with normal brain scans and brain tumors were younger P < 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively. Conclusion: Brain atrophy and white matter lesions were the most common MRI findings in patients presenting with cognitive decline in Enugu, South East Nigeria. Such patients also tended to be older than those with normal brain scans or brain tumors.