The ARWMC Rating Scale

Created 01.10.2019, last update 01.11.2021

ARWMC (Age Related White Matter Changes)

White matter lesions (WML)
0	no lesion (including symmetrical, well-defined caps or bands)
1	focal lesions
2	a beginning confluence of lesions
3	diffuse involvement of the entire region, with or without the involvement of U fibers
Basal ganglia lesions
0	no lesion
1	1 focal lesion (≥ 5 mm)
2	> 1 focal lesion
3	confluent lesions

white matter lesions (WMLs) on MRI are assessed as bright (hyperintense) lesions ≥ 5 mm on T2, PD, or FLAIR images
WMLs on NCCT are defined as hypodense areas ≥ 5 mm
the following areas are evaluated; each hemisphere is rated separately
- frontal
- parieto-occipital
- temporal
- infratentorial including cerebellum
- basal ganglia (striatum, globus pallidus, thalamus, internal and external capsule, and insula)