Blood-brain barrier impairment and hypoperfusion are linked in cerebral small vessel disease

Abstract

BBB impairment and hypoperfusion appear in the WMH and NAWM, which increase in the proximity of the WMH, and are linked. Both BBB and CBF are regulated in the neurovascular unit (NVU) and the observed link might be due to the physiologic regulation mechanism of the NVU. This link may suggest an early overall deterioration of this unit.