The Prevalence of Microhemorrhage on Gradient-echo Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Lacunar Infarction

Abstract

Microhemorrhages seen on gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging are thought to be a manifestation of small-vessel disease. It was the aim of our study to evaluate the prevalence of microhemorrhage for patients presenting with acute lacunar infarction. We obtained gradient-echo and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging as part of the acute stroke workup in 46 patients presenting with lacunar infarction. Gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging was abnormal in 24 of 46 (52%) patients. Microhemorrhage was seen in 21 patients (46%), 2 patients had multiple microhemorrhages and a frank hemorrhage, and 3 patients had frank hemorrhage in the absence of microhemorrhage. Prior symptomatic stroke was the only significant risk factor for the presence of microhemorrhages. Microhemorrhages are present in approximately half of patients with lacunar infarcts and appear to be a marker of severity of small-vessel disease.