Relationship between the earlobe crease and brain white matter abnormalities in apparently healthy subjects

Abstract

Background/aim: In the present study we aimed to investigate whether the earlobe crease (ELC) might provide predictive information about white matter intensities (WMIs) in the brain that reflect brain aging. Materials and methods: A total of 350 individuals examined from January 2016 to July 2016 were screened. Patients with known demyelinating white matter disease, neurodegenerative disorders, cerebrovascular event history, or brain tumors were excluded from the study. Finally, 285 cases were included in the study. The four-point cerebral intensity classification system of Fazekas was used in the evaluation of the brain. The ELC was evaluated by inspection. Results: A total of 285 patients were enrolled consecutively. The incidence of WMI was significantly higher in patients with ELC than the others. Age (95% CI: 1.105–1.213, P < 0.001) and ELC (95% CI: 0.098–0.783, P = 0.015) were found as an independent determinants of abnormal WMI. ELC predicted abnormal WMIs with 89% specificity and 62% sensitivity. Conclusion: The presence of an ELC may provide predictive information in terms of detecting abnormal WMIs with prognostic impact in apparently healthy subjects.