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Prevalence and effects of lobar microhemorrhages in early-stage dementia

Alireza Atri1, Joseph J Locascio, Jenny M Lin

  • 1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. aatri@partners.org

Neuro-Degenerative Diseases
|August 16, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lobar microhemorrhages (LMH) were detected in 15% of early dementia patients using gradient echo MRI (GE-MRI). These microhemorrhages may worsen dementia severity, highlighting their clinical significance.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is present in 80-100% of Alzheimer's disease patients.
  • CAA-related lobar microhemorrhages (LMH) are found in 5-7% of patients at autopsy.
  • Prevalence and impact of GE-MRI detectable LMH in early dementia are unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Estimate LMH prevalence in early dementia using GE-MRI.
  • Assess the impact of LMH on dementia severity.

Main Methods:

  • 84 subjects (≥55 years) underwent cognitive and GE-MRI evaluation.
  • Included 61 dementia patients and 23 healthy controls.
  • Analyzed LMH presence, number, and effect on dementia severity.

Main Results:

  • 15% of dementia patients (9/61) vs 4% of controls (1/23) had LMH on GE-MRI.
  • Multiple LMH (>or=2) found in 88% of dementia subjects with LMH.
  • LMH number, age, and symptom duration increased dementia severity; education was protective.

Conclusions:

  • GE-MRI detected LMH in 15% of early dementia patients.
  • LMH may contribute to increased dementia severity.

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