Greater periventricular white matter hyperintensity severity in basilar artery branch atheromatous disease.

We are the first to show a significant association between WMH and BABAD that is independent of vascular risk factors and atherosclerotic large-artery disease. Our results suggest that small vessel abnormalities other than lipohyalinosis may be involved in BABAD pathophysiology. A future management strategy should include both large and small vessel protection.