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The prevalence of microhemorrhage on gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging in acute lacunar infarction

Wouter J Schonewille1, Michael B Singer, Scott W Atlas

  • 1Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases : the Official Journal of National Stroke Association
|October 2, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microhemorrhages, often seen in gradient-echo MRI, are prevalent in about half of patients with acute lacunar infarction, indicating a marker of small-vessel disease severity.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Microhemorrhages on gradient-echo MRI are associated with small-vessel disease.
  • Understanding their prevalence in acute lacunar infarction is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of microhemorrhage in patients with acute lacunar infarction.
  • To identify potential risk factors associated with microhemorrhage presence.

Main Methods:

  • Gradient-echo and diffusion-weighted MRI were acquired for 46 patients with acute lacunar infarction.
  • Prevalence of microhemorrhage and frank hemorrhage was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Gradient-echo MRI showed abnormalities in 52% of patients.
  • Microhemorrhages were present in 46% of patients; frank hemorrhage was observed in 6% (with or without microhemorrhages).
  • Prior symptomatic stroke was the sole significant risk factor for microhemorrhages.

Conclusions:

  • Microhemorrhages are common in lacunar infarction, found in approximately half of affected patients.
  • The presence of microhemorrhages suggests a more severe manifestation of small-vessel disease.

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