Objective  To evaluate the value of CT and MRI in the diagnosis of leukoaraiosis (LA) and to analyze its CT and MRI findings.   Methods  One hundred and twenty patients with neuropathic symptom were examined by both CT and MRI in last year. Their CT images were compared with MR images.   Results  LA lesions mainly located in the subcortex white matter

semioval center

white matter around the lateral cerebral ventricles

and/or in the deep part. LA lesions displayed as symmetrical low density shadows on CT images

while as irregular

ill-defined dotty

patchy iso- or low-T

1

signal density and high T

2

signal density on M

R images. It was often accompanied by multifocal cerebral infarctions and atrophy or other cerebrovascular diseases. It also occurred in the normal aged people.   Conclusion  Leukoaraiosis shows characteristic appearance on CT and MR images. Spiral CT is valuable in the diagnosis of LA

as well as economical and easily manipulated. MRI displays more lesions and so is more sensitive

especially using T

2

flair series. MRI may be the first choice for the diagnosis of LA when it is available.