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Published on: April 23, 2021
Cerebral microbleeds as a risk factor for subsequent intracerebral hemorrhages among patients with acute ischemic
Yu Hua Fan1, Lei Zhang, Wynnie W M Lam
1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
Background And Purpose:
Cerebral microbleeds (MBs) detected by gradient-echo MRI are considered evidence of advanced microangiopathy with potential for further bleeding. The goal of this study was to determine whether the presence of MBs is a risk factor for subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage among patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Methods:
We prospectively examined patients hospitalized with acute cerebral infarction with gradient-echo T2*-weighted MRI for the presence of MBs. We recorded demographics, medical history, and stroke severity. Patients were then followed up for the development of stroke, other vascular events, and death.
Results:
One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients with a mean age of 67.96+/-10.97 years were recruited. MBs were present in 43 patients (35.5%). During follow-up of 27.15+/-11.68 months, 16 patients had recurrent stroke. There was no difference between patients with or without MB for the development of ischemic stroke (5 and 6 respectively, P=0.841). However, 4 patients (9.3%) with MBs and 1 patient (1.3%) without an MB had intracerebral hemorrhage during follow-up (P=0.053). Of the 5 patients who developed subsequent intracerebral hemorrhages, 3 were treated with aspirin and 2 with anticoagulation. Two of the intracerebral hemorrhages occurred in the site where asymptomatic MBs were found at baseline.
Conclusions:
MBs appear to be a risk factor for subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage among patients with ischemic stroke in this small cohort of Chinese stroke patients. A large cohort study is required to confirm this observation.
Insights
Cerebral microbleeds (MBs) detected by MRI may increase the risk of subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further research is needed to confirm this finding in larger populations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (MBs) on gradient-echo MRI indicate advanced microangiopathy.
- MBs may signify an increased risk of bleeding events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if MBs are a risk factor for future intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of acute cerebral infarction patients using gradient-echo T2*-weighted MRI to detect MBs.
- Follow-up for recurrent stroke, vascular events, and mortality.
Main Results:
- 43 of 121 patients (35.5%) had MBs.
- No significant difference in recurrent ischemic stroke rates.
- A trend towards increased intracerebral hemorrhage risk in patients with MBs (9.3% vs 1.3%).
- Two ICH events occurred at sites of baseline MBs.
Conclusions:
- MBs may be a risk factor for subsequent ICH in ischemic stroke patients.
- A larger cohort study is necessary to validate these findings.
Related Concept Videos
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Stroke: Introduction and Types

