Fazekas grade 1, in the context of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on brain MRI, indicates a mild level of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). It's characterized by specific patterns observed in the white matter surrounding the ventricles.
Specifically, Fazekas grade 1 is defined as:
- Periventricular caps or pencil-thin lining of the ventricles, OR
- Punctate foci in the deep white matter.
In simpler terms, this means that the white matter changes are either:
- Small "caps" of hyperintensity extending from the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces in the brain) or thin lines lining them.
- Tiny, dot-like areas of hyperintensity scattered within the deep white matter.
These findings suggest early or mild changes related to small vessel disease in the brain. Higher Fazekas grades (2 and 3) indicate more extensive and confluent areas of white matter hyperintensity. A Fazekas grade of 0 indicates no periventricular or deep WMH.
