Infratentorial Cerebral Microbleeds Research Articles

Review Of Cerebral Microbleeds using FAZEKA Classification

Introduction: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), also known as cerebral microhemorrhages, are tiny hypointense foci discovered by susceptibility-weighted (SW) magnetic resonance imaging (MR). CMBs have been interpreted as asymptomatic lesions that may be identified by chance during a brain MRI. This study was done to understand the etiology and various imaging patterns of the cerebral microbleeds on MRI Materials & Methods: This study was done with a sample size of 325 patients who underwent MRI Brain and diagnosed with CMB at our hospital. Detailed supportive history was taken and data was analysed. Results: Present study shows strong correlation between CMB’s and white matter changes. CMBs in parietal lobe found to have correlation with cognitive dysfunction. Lacunar infract is the most common subtype associated with the CMB’s Conclusion: The markers of microangiopathy on MRI brain are CMBs and white matter changes. Correlation of lobar CMBs with periventricular white matter hyperintensities and deep, infratentorial CMBs with deep white matter hyperintensities were found.

Deep and infratentorial cerebral microbleeds are related to wake-up stroke by large-artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism

Background and aimsCircadian variability of blood pressure (BP) and hypercoagulation in the morning have been proposed as underlying mechanisms of wake-up stroke (WUS). The aim was to determine the impact of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), showing BP fluctuation and background hypercoagulability, on WUS. MethodsConsecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke onset-to-door time within one week were screened. WUS was defined as an ischemic stroke that occurred during sleep at night. CMBs were categorized into three: “strictly Lobar”, “strictly Deep (D) and/or Infratentorial (I)”, and “Mixed”. Moderate to severe CMBs were defined as having more than three in total. First, whether CMBs are associated with WUS was examined. Second, the same analysis was performed according to the stroke subtype classified as large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolism (CE), and small-vessel occlusion (SVO). ResultsA total of 1477 patients (1059 [72%] male, median age 69 years) were included, and WUS was observed in 363 (25%) patients. On Poisson regression analysis with a robust variance estimator in the total cohort, moderate to severe strictly D and/or I CMBs (PR 1.505, 95% CI 1.154–1.962, p = 0.003) were associated with WUS. From the perspective of stroke subtype, the same result was confirmed in LAA (PR 2.223, 95% CI 1.036–4.768, p = 0.040) and CE (PR 1.668, 95% CI 1.027–2.709, p = 0.039), not SVO. ConclusionsThe presence of moderate to severe strictly D and/or I CMBs might be associated with the development of WUS. By stroke subtype, the same result was confirmed in LAA and CE.

Prevalence and risk factors for cerebral microbleeds in elderly Chinese patients with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular diseases: A single-center study

ObjectivesPeople with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) frequently use antithrombotic agents and statins. The objective of the study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in elderly (≥ 65 years old) Chinese people with ASCVD. Materials and methodsWe prospectively included 755 eligible participants with complete MRI data, and CMBs were discerned on the SWI sequence. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze risk factors associated with CMBs. ResultsThe average age was 74.9 ± 9.5 years, and the prevalence of CMBs was 37.9% (286/755). Of those with CMBs, 65.0% (186/286) had strictly lobar CMBs, 35.0% (100/286) had deep or infratentorial CMBs with or without lobar CMBs. We divided CMBs into two groups according to their locations, lobar CMBs group (strictly lobar CMBs) and deep CMBs group (with or without lobar CMBs). Age per 10 years (odds ratio (OR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–1.72, p < 0.001), statin use (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.05–2.26, p = 0.03), and lacunes (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.09–2.68, p = 0.02) were associated with any CMBs. Age per 10 years (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.63, p < 0.001), statin use (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12–2.50, p = 0.01), and white matter hyperintensities (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.17–2.51, p < 0.01) were associated with lobar CMBs. Only lacunes were associated with deep CMBs (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.85–5.87, p < 0.001). ConclusionsIn elderly people with risk factors of ASCVD, antithrombotic drug use was not associated with any CMBs, lobar CMBs, or deep CMBs. Statin use was correlated with lobar CMBs but not deep CMBs.

Increase in cerebral microbleeds and cognitive decline.

In spite of increasing evidence of the clinical importance of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), the relationship between CMBs and cognitive impairment is still controversial. In addition, there are very limited prior data regarding the prospective association of additional CMBs over time with a decline in cognitive function. This study thus aimed to investigate the effects of newly detected CMBs on cognitive decline in a Japanese health examination cohort. We performed a prospective cohort study involving 769 Japanese participants (mean age, 61.6 years) with a mean follow-up of 7.3 ± 3.5 years. CMBs were classified according to their locations. Cognitive functions were evaluated using Okabe's Intelligence Scale, Koh's block design test, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between the newly detected CMBs and cognitive decline. Fifty-six (7.3%) participants (16 had new strictly lobar cerebral microbleeds and 40 had new deep or infratentorial cerebral microbleeds) developed new CMBs during the follow-up period. In multivariable analysis, newly detected strictly lobar CMBs were associated with a greater decline in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in the categories achieved (β: - 0.862 [95% CI: - 1.325, - 0.399]; P < 0.0001), greater increase in perseverative errors of Nelson (β: 0.603 [95% CI: 0.023, 1.183]; P = 0.04), and greater increase in the difficulty with maintaining set (β: 1.321 [95% CI: 0.801, 1.842]; P < 0.0001). Strictly lobar CMBs over time were associated with a decline in executive function.

Harboring Cnm-expressing Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity relates to both deep and lobar cerebral microbleeds.

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) influence long-term prognoses of stroke patients. Streptococcus mutans expressing the collagen-binding protein Cnm induces cerebrovascular inflammation, impairing blood brain barrier integrity and causing cerebral bleeding. Here, we examine the association of Cnm-positive S. mutans with CMBs. Acute stroke patients were selected from a single-center registry database. Oral carriage of Cnm-positive or Cnm-negative S. mutans was determined using polymerase chain reaction assays. The associations of Cnm-positive S. mutans with CMB number and specifically the presence of >10 CMBs were examined using quasi-Poisson and logistic regression models, respectively. This study included 3154 stroke patients, of which 428 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 73.0 [63.0-81.0] years; 269 men [62.9%]) underwent oral bacterial examinations. In total, 326 patients harbored S. mutans. After excluding four patients without imaging data, we compared patients with Cnm-positive (n=72) and Cnm-negative (n=250) S. mutans. Harboring Cnm-positive S. mutans was independently associated with the presence of >10 CMBs (adjusted odds ratio 2.20 [1.18-4.10]) and higher numbers of deep and lobar CMBs (adjusted risk ratio 1.61 [1.14-2.27] for deep; 5.14 [2.78-9.51] for lobar), but not infratentorial CMBs, after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, stroke type, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Harboring Cnm-positive S. mutans was independently associated with a higher number of CMBs in deep and lobar locations. Reducing Cnm-positive S. mutans in the oral cavity may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for stroke.

Urinary Immunoglobulin G Is Associated with Deep and Infratentorial Cerebral Microbleeds in Stroke Patients

Background: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) detected on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) are associated with cerebral small vessel disease. Chronic kidney disease and microalbuminuria have been associated with the presence of CMBs in stroke patients. Urinary immunoglobulin G (IgG) is measured to document glomerular injury; however, the relationship between urinary IgG and CMBs is unknown. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients who had been admitted with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke and identified those who had undergone SWI and a spot urine test. The location of CMBs was classified on magnetic resonance imaging as strictly lobar, deep/infratentorial (D/I), or mixed areas. We analyzed the association between urinary IgG and the presence and location of CMBs. Results: We included 298 patients (86 female, median age 70 years, median eGFR 65.8 mL/min/1.73 m²). Positive urinary IgG and CMB results were found in 58 (19%) and 160 patients (54%), respectively. Urinary IgG positivity was significantly associated with CMBs compared with non-CMBs (28% vs. 9%, p < 0.001), and with D/I or mixed CMBs compared with non-D/I or mixed CMBs (34% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that urinary IgG and hypertension positivity were strongly associated with D/I or mixed CMBs (OR 3.479, 95% CI: 1.776–6.818, p < 0.001; OR 3.415, 95% CI: 1.863–6.258, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Urinary IgG was associated with the prevalence of D/I or mixed location CMBs in TIA or ischemic stroke patients. Our findings provide new insights into the association between urinary IgG and the distribution of CMBs.

Risk factors of cerebral microbleeds in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension

Background &amp; Objectives: This study aimed to explore the incidence and potential risk factors of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of young and middle-aged patients with hypertension in the Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China between August 2018 and December 2020. The demographic baseline, laboratory parameters and clinical imaging data were collected. Microbleed anatomical rating scale (MARS) was applied to evaluate the presence, amount, and topographical distributions of CMBs. Results: Among 196 young and middle-aged patients with hypertension, 84 (42.9%) patients had CMBs. CMBs were more likely to occur in the deep brain tissue regions (41.8%), followed by lobar or infratentorial region. White matter hyperintensity (OR, 5.262; 95%CI, 1.314-21.075; P=0.019), abnormal lipid metabolism (OR, 3.832; 95%CI, 1.578-9.306; P=0.003), usage of anti-platelet aggregation drugs (OR, 2.947; 95%CI, 1.138-7.632; P=0.026), smoking history (OR, 3.218; 95%CI, 1.073-9.651; P=0.037), and hyperhomocysteinemia (OR, 1.415; 95%CI, 1.018-1.967; P=0.039) were independently associated with deep or infratentorial CMBs in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension. However, the occurrence of strictly lobar CMBs was only independently associated with abnormal lipid metabolism (OR, 4.162; 95%CI, 1.685-10.282; P=0.002). Conclusions: The rate of CMBs was high in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension, most commonly occurring in the deep brain tissue region. While multiple risk factors were identified to be associated with deep or infratentorial CMBs, the occurrence of strictly lobar CMBs was only associated with abnormal lipid metabolism.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cerebral Microbleeds: Analysis From the UK Biobank.

To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) at different locations in a large healthy community population. A total of 8,159 participants from the UK Biobank with MRI scans suitable for CMB analysis were included. Brain susceptibility-weighted imaging data were acquired on 2 identical 3.0T scanners. The Microbleed Anatomical Rating Scale was used to identify definite CMBs. Generalized linear models were used to determine independent associations with all CMBs and lobar, deep, and infratentorial CMBs. The mean age at scan was 62.1 ± 7.4 years. One or more definite CMBs were detected in 572 (7.0%) participants. Of those with CMBs, 439 (76.7%) had lobar CMBs, 103 (18.0%) had deep CMBs, and 83 (14.5%) had infratentorial CMBs. Age was an independent risk factor for CMBs in all locations. APOE4 and male sex were positively associated and higher body mass index was negatively associated with lobar CMBs. Hypertension, smoking, and alcohol consumption were associated with deep CMBs, but not with lobar CMBs. Only age was associated with infratentorial CMBs. The associations were unchanged after controlling for white matter hyperintensity lesion volume as a marker of small vessel disease severity. In this large population-based study, CMB prevalence detected using a low sensitivity and high specificity system was 7%. There were distinct risk factor profiles for CMBs in lobar and deep locations consistent with different underlying pathophysiologic processes. Clinical Trial registration number: UK Biobank application number 19463.

Cerebral Microbleeds and Chronic Kidney Disease in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are associated with the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the association between CMBs and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with acute ischemic stroke and AF. Methods: We retrospectively examined consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and AF who underwent brain gradient-echo T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The number and distribution (lobar, deep or infratentorial, and mixed) of CMBs were assessed. Kidney function was assessed according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which was calculated using a modified version of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Results: Of the 357 included patients, 105 (29.4%) had CMBs. CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was found in 131 (36.7%) patients. Patients with CKD showed a higher prevalence of any form of CMB (41.2% versus 22.6%, P < .001), deep or infratentorial CMBs (19.9% versus 9.3%, P < .01), and mixed CMBs (14.5% versus 5.3%, P < .01) than those without CKD. After adjusting for age and other confounding factors, CKD was found to be independently associated with the presence of any form of CMB (odds ratio 1.89, P = .02) and mixed CMBs (odds ratio 3.10, P < .01). Moreover, moderate to severe CKD (eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2) was independently associated with the presence of multiple CMBs (odds ratio 2.31, P = .04). Conclusions: CMBs and CKD are common in acute ischemic stroke patients with AF, and CKD may be a risk factor for CMBs. Further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate whether maintaining kidney function can prevent the development of CMBs.

Strictly Lobar Cerebral Microbleeds Are Associated with Increased White Matter Volume

Cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVD), such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH), have been acknowledged as a cause of brain atrophy. However, the relationship between brain volumes and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) has not yet been determined. We aimed to evaluate whether the presence and topography of CMBs are associated with altered volumes of gray matter (GMV) and white matter (WMV). Non-stroke and non-demented subjects were prospectively recruited from the I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study. High-resolution 3-T MRI was performed to quantify total and regional WMV and GMV, including Alzheimer's disease-susceptible areas. CMBs were assessed with susceptibility-weighted imaging. Six hundred and fifty-nine subjects (62.1 ± 8.3years, 290 (44%) men) were included. Thirty-two (4.9%) subjects had strictly lobar CMBs (SL-CMBs) and 51 (7.7%) had deep or infratentorial CMBs (DI-CMBs). We observed an association between CMBs and WMV, independent of age, sex, and vascular risk factors; the direction of association depended on the location of the CMBs. The SL-CMB group had an increased total, frontal, and occipital WMV compared with the no-CMB group, which remained significant after adjusting for other CSVDs (WMH volumes and lacune numbers). In contrast, the DI-CMB group had a decreased occipital WMV compared to the no-CMB group. However, this significance disappeared after taking other CSVDs into consideration. Our results showed no relationship between CMBs and GMV. In conclusion, the increased WMV in non-stroke, non-demented subjects with SL-CMBs observed here provides insight into the early pathogenesis of SL-CMBs. This may be a result of increased water content or amyloid accumulation.

Prior Antithrombotic Therapy Is Associated With Cerebral Microbleeds in Ischemic Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and/or Rheumatic Heart Disease.

Background and purpose: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) could contribute to an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelets or anticoagulants). Antithrombotic agents are commonly prescribed to the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or rheumatic heart disease (RHD) for preventing ischemic stroke. However, the impact of antithrombotic therapy on CMBs remained controversial. We aimed to explore the association between the prevalence of CMBs and prior antithrombotic therapy in ischemic stroke patients with AF and/or RHD.Materials and Methods: Ischemic stroke patients with AF and/or RHD within 7 days of onset from two hospitals were enrolled. Clinical information, prior use of antiplatelets or anticoagulation, presence and location of CMBs on susceptibility weighted imaging were recorded. We investigated the association of antithrombotic use with the presence or location of CMBs using multivariable logistic regression.Results: A total of 160 patients (68 males; median age, 71 years) were included. CMBs were observed in 90 (56.3%) patients, of whom 37 were with strictly lobar CMBs and 53 were with deep or infratentorial CMBs. There was a significant difference in antiplatelet use between patients with and without CMBs (33.3 vs. 11.4%, P = 0.001), but not found in anticoagulants. Prior use of antiplatelets was independently associated with the presence of CMBs (OR 3.075, 95% CI 1.175–8.045, P = 0.022) and especially strictly lobar CMBs (OR 2.635, 95% CI 1.050–6.612, P = 0.039) in multivariate analysis.Conclusions: The present study suggests that CMBs are common in ischemic stroke patients with AF and/or RHD and prior antiplatelet use may relate to the presence of CMBs predominantly in the strictly lobar region. Whether anticoagulants could cause CMBs need to be determined in future longitudinal studies.

Blood Glucose Levels Are Associated with Cerebral Microbleeds in Patients with Acute Ischaemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: There are debates about the causative role of high blood glucose in cerebral small vessel disease. The relationship between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and blood glucose is unclear. Methods: Patients admitted to our department with acute ischaemic stroke were consecutively and prospectively included. Baseline demographic and clinical covariates were collected and analyzed according to the occurrence and location of CMBs and levels of blood glucose. Results: Of 161 patients included in the final analysis, 69 (42.76%) were women. A total of 80 patients (49.69%) had CMBs. There was a significant trend towards the prevalence of CMBs with increasing glucose quarter (p = 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed the rate of prevalence of CMBs to be significantly higher in the third quarter (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.20–3.02) and fourth quarter (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.21–2.25) than that in the first. The frequencies of deep or infratentorial CMBs differed with glucose quarter. Post hoc analysis showed that frequencies of deep or infratentorial CMBs were significantly more frequent in the third quarter (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.06–2.87) and fourth quarter (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.19–2.31) than those in the first. Conclusions: In this prospective study of patients with acute ischaemic stroke, our results showed that glucose was associated with deep or infratentorial CMBs but not with lobar CMBs.

Deep cerebral microbleeds are associated with the severity of lacunar infarcts and hypertension: A retrospective analysis.

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and lacunar infarcts are common manifestations of cerebral small vessel disease. However, the association between the location of CMBs and lacunar infarcts is unclear. Our study aimed to clarify the relationship between the location of CMBs and lacunar infarcts.This study retrospectively analyzed 166 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks admitted in the Geriatric Neurology Department of Chinese PLA General Hospital between February 2010 and December 2012. We collected clinical characteristics and risk factors of CMBs. The location of CMBs on T2∗-weighted angiography was assessed by the Microbleed Anatomical Rating Scale. The number of lacunar infarcts and the severity of white matter hyperintensities were also recorded. The association between the location of CMBs and lacunar infarcts parameters was examined.CMBs were present in 77 (46.4%) patients. The presence [odds ratios (OR), 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–4.48], number (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02–1.36 per lesion), severity (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.07–2.42) of lacunar infarcts, and hypertension (OR, 5.76; 95% CI, 2.01–16.55) were independent risk factors for CMBs. Stratified by the location of CMBs, lobar CMBs and infratentorial CMBs did not show significant association with lacunar infarcts. Deep CMBs were significantly associated with the number (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.36) and severity (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.11–2.63) of lacunar infarcts. Moreover, the percentage of deep CMBs increased with the increased severity of lacunar infarcts (P = .003).Deep CMBs rather than lobar and infratentorial CMBs are associated with lacunar infarcts.

Infratentorial Cerebral Microbleeds in Patients with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) observed in hypertension-related arteriolosclerosis tend to occur in the supratentorial deep gray matter, whereas those in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) typically show a supratentorial lobar distribution. Recently, superficial spontaneous cerebellar intracerebral hemorrhage has been shown to be associated with strictly lobar CMBs. Few data exist on infratentorial CMBs in CAA. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, number, and characteristics of infratentorial CMBs in patients with CAA. We performed a retrospective analysis of data derived from a prospectively recruited cohort of patients with possible or probable CAA according to the Boston criteria. A total of 115 patients with CAA (59% with CMBs) were analyzed. Eighteen percent of all patients with CAA had at least 1 infratentorial CMB. For patients with CMBs, presence and median CMB number were as follows: brainstem, 8% and 1; deep cerebellum, 4% and 1; superficial cerebellum, 10% and 1.5. Brainstem or deep cerebellum CMB was associated with the presence of and with higher numbers of supratentorial deep gray matter CMBs (P < .001 for both) and with hypertension (P = .048), whereas superficial cerebellar CMB was associated with the presence of and with higher numbers of supratentorial lobar CMBs (P < .001 for both). Based on our study, superficial cerebellar CMBs (in low numbers when present) seem to be a CAA-related phenomenon observed in a minority of patients who have CAA with a relatively high supratentorial lobar CMB load.

Risk factors of cerebral microbleeds in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the incidence and related risk factors of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension.MethodsThe study included 232 young and middle-aged (18–59 years-old) patients with hypertension from September 2014 to December 2016 in the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, China. The data were recorded which included demographics, vascular risk factors, medication history, and imaging data of patients. CMBs were evaluated based on the microbleeds anatomical rating scale.ResultsOf the enrolled participants, 115 were CMB positive, accounting for 49.6%. CMBs were more prone to occur in deep regions than in others (39.13%). Multiple cerebral microbleeds were associated with white matter hyperintensities(WMH), dyslipidemia, hyperhomocysteine, and uric acid. Moreover, WMH, dyslipidemia, ever smoker, antiplatelets use, and hyperhomocysteine were found to be risk factors for deep or infratentorial CMBs in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension. However, the lobar CMBs only had an independent correlation with dyslipidemia in these participants.ConclusionsThe incidence of CMBs in patients with hypertension was relatively high. It mostly occurred in a deep or infratentorial area with more vascular-associated risk factors. However, in patients with lobar CMBs, factors associated with lipid metabolism, such as amyloid deposition and unidentified genotype variation, may be crucial. Screening and regular follow-ups of CMBs by Susceptibility Weighted Imaging and active prevention in young and middle-aged patients with hypertension have clinical significance for timely understanding and predicting the occurrence and development of related cerebrovascular disease events.

Cerebral microbleeds and blood pressure abnormalities in Parkinson's disease.

Blood pressure abnormalities are frequently observed in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and are associated with cerebrovascular diseases such as white matter hyperintensities and carotid atherosclerosis. We assessed the relationship between blood pressure abnormalities and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), a marker of cerebral small vessel disease, in 128 patients with PD. We examined supine and orthostatic blood pressures and used 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to assess the presence or absence of orthostatic hypotension (OH), supine hypertension (SH), nocturnal hypertension (NH), and loss of nocturnal blood pressure dips (non-dipping). CMBs were found in 13 (10.2%) patients, and the median number of CMBs was 1 (range: 1 to 10). Six of these patients had deep or infratentorial CMBs, six had strictly lobar CMBs, and one had mixed CMBs. Linear regression analysis indicated that presence of both OH and SH was independently associated with greater numbers of CMBs in deep or infratentorial regions, independent of age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and white matter hyperintensities. NH and non-dipping were not associated with CMBs in deep or infratentorial regions, and there was no association between blood pressure and CMBs in lobar regions. Our results suggest that the presence of both OH and SH may be related to deep or infratentorial CMBs in patients with PD.

Etiology of isolated pontine infarctions: a study based on high-resolution MRI and brain small vessel disease scores

BackgroundIn this retrospective study, we investigated the main pathogenesis of the two types of isolated pontine infarction: paramedian pontine infarcts (PPIs) and small deep pontine infarcts (SDPIs).MethodsAcute ischemic stroke patients, comprising 117 PPI patients and 40 SDPI patients, were enrolled. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and routine MRI sequences were performed for each patient, and clinical data were collected. The following brain small vessel disease (SVD) features of the MRI scans were each rated (0 or 1) separately: asymptomatic lacunar infarcts, white matter lesions (WMLs), deep and infratentorial cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and enlarged perivascular spaces in the basal ganglia. The ratings were also summed in an ordinal “SVD score” (range: 0–4). The difference in the SVD score between the PPI and SDPI groups was determined. The presence and location of basilar artery (BA) atherosclerotic plaques (based on HR-MRI) in the two groups was evaluated.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the total SVD score and three of the four independent SVD features (asymptomatic lacunar infarcts, WMLs, and deep and infratentorial CMBs) between the two groups. The prevalence of BA plaques relevant to the infarcts in the PPI group was significantly higher than that in the SDPI group, whereas the prevalence of plaques irrelevant to the infarcts was similar between the two groups. The degree of BA stenosis was slightly higher in the PPI group than in the SDPI group. Diabetes mellitus was much more prevalent in the PPI group. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was higher in the PPI group, which is in accordance with the larger infarct size in the PPI group.ConclusionBA atherosclerosis may be the major cause of PPI, while SVD may be the main mechanism underlying SDPI. HR-MRI combined with the total SVD score should be helpful to explore the pathogenesis underlying isolated pontine infarctions, especially in cases involving low-grade BA stenosis.

The risk factors and pattern of cerebral microbleeds in Parkinson's disease

ABSTRACTBackground and purpose: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) have been reported recently and concerned increasingly. Our aim was to investigate the risk factors and pattern of CMBs in patients with PD, as well as the influence of risk factors on the pattern of CMBs. Methods: We retrospectively collected medical and imaging data of 247 patients who underwent brain susceptibility-weighted imaging. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors of CMBs. The frequency and amount of CMBs in different locations between patients with and without risk factors were analyzed. Results: Of the 247 patients with PD, 39 (15.79%) had CMBs, 27 (69.23%) had lobar CMBs, 20 (51.28%) had deep CMBs and 17 (43.59%) had infratentorial CMBs. A history of cerebral ischemic events was independently associated with the presence of CMBs (odds ratio (OR) 4.485 [95% CI 2.150–9.356]; p = 0.000), especially with lobar and deep CMBs. Hypertension and Hoehn and Yahr score were also associated with the presence of deep CMBs. Only white matter hyperintensities were independently associated with the presence of infratentorial CMBs. Compared to patients without risk factors, the frequency of deep CMBs was greater in those with a history of cerebral ischemic events (p = 0.013), while the amount of deep CMBs was higher in those with hypertension (p = 0.035). Conclusion: CMBs in PD seem to present a lobe-dominant pattern. A history of cerebral ischemic events and hypertension may be two strong risk factors which preferentially influences the pattern of deep CMBs in PD.

Strictly Lobar Cerebral Microbleeds Are Associated With Cognitive Impairment.

Different distributions of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are associated with distinct pathological mechanisms. Lobar CMBs are thought to be related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy, whereas deep or infratentorial CMBs are related to hypertensive vasculopathy. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of CMBs and their locations on a variety of cognitive domains. Study subjects were selected from the community-based I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study. We assessed cognitive domains, including verbal memory, language, visuospatial executive function, and verbal executive function. CMBs were evaluated using 3T susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We studied 959 subjects (mean±SD, 62.5±8.6 years; 425 [44.3%] men). CMBs were found in 14.2% of the population. We classified subjects with CMBs into 2 different groups based on the locations of their CMBs: (1) deep or infratentorial (85 subjects, 8.8% of population) and (2) strictly lobar (49, 5.1%). Multivariate linear analysis showed that strictly lobar CMBs were significantly associated with deficits in global cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination) and visuospatial executive function, as determined by the copy test of the Taylor complex figure test and the clock drawing test. We adjusted our results for age, sex, years of education, cardiovascular risk factors, and other markers of cerebral small vessel disease, lacunes, and white matter hyperintensity. Deep or infratentorial CMBs were not associated with changes in cognitive function in our population. Strictly lobar, but not deep or infratentorial, CMBs are associated with changes in cognitive function, especially in visuospatial executive functions. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy may be the underlying pathology associated with CMB-related cognitive impairment.

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels and risk of cerebral microbleeds in acute ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and/or rheumatic heart disease

Background and objectiveElevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) levels are associated with coronary disease and small-vessel ischemic stroke through their associations with atherosclerosis. Considering the relationship between atherosclerosis and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), the purpose of this study was to examine associations between serum hs-cTnT levels and risk of CMBs in acute ischemic stroke patients. MethodsThis prospective study involved consecutively recruited acute ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and/or rheumatic heart disease treated at a large tertiary care hospital in southwestern China. Clinico-demographic data were collected and analyzed by logistic regression to identify the relationship between serum hs-cTnT levels and CMB occurrence and location. ResultsIn the final analysis, of 66 patients (27 males; mean age, 68.7years), 39 (59.1%) had CMBs. Hs-cTnT levels were not associated with risk of strictly lobar CMBs. However, after adjusting age, sex, current alcohol consumption, total cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prior antithrombotic therapy and NIHSS on admission, patients in the higher tertile were more likely to have CMBs and deep or infratentorial CMBs (P<0.05) compared with the lower hs-cTnT tertile. ConclusionHs-cTnT may be an independent predictor for the occurrence of CMBs, particularly of deep or infratentorial CMBs. This finding justifies further research into how hs-cTnT levels may contribute to CMBs and potentially other subclinical small-vessel diseases.