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Cerebral microbleeds in the population based AGES-Reykjavik study: prevalence and location
S Sveinbjornsdottir1, S Sigurdsson, T Aspelund
1Department of Neurology, Landspitali University Hospital, C12, Fossvogur, 108 Reykjavik, Iceland. sigurls@landspitali.is
Background And Purpose:
Incidental foci of signal loss suggestive of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are frequent findings on gradient echo T2* weighted MRI (T2* MRI) of patients with haemorrhagic or ischaemic stroke. There are few prevalence data on older populations. This paper reports on the prevalence and location of CMBs in a community based cohort of older men and women (born 1907-1935) who participated in the Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES)-Reykjavik Study, a population based cohort study that followed the Reykjavik Study
Methods:
As part of the examination, all eligible and consenting cohort members underwent a full brain MRI, and blood was drawn for genotyping. Results are based on the first 1962 men (n = 820) and women (n = 1142), mean age 76 years, with complete MRI and demographic information available.
Results:
Evidence of CMBs was found in 218 participants (11.1% (95% CI 9.8% to 12.6%)); men had significantly more CMBs than women (14.4% vs 8.8%; p = 0.0002, age adjusted). The prevalence of CMBs increased with age (p = 0.0001) in both men (p = 0.006) and women (p = 0.007). CMBs were located in the cerebral lobes (70%), the basal ganglia region (10.5%) and infratentorium (18.6%). Having a CMB was significantly associated with a homozygote Apo E epsilon4epsilon4 genotype (p = 0.01).
Conclusion:
Cerebral microbleeds are common in older persons. The association with homozygote Apo E epsilon4 genotype and finding a relative predominance in the parietal lobes might indicate an association with amyloid angiopathy.
Insights
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are common in older adults, affecting 11.1% of participants. Prevalence increases with age and is higher in men, with parietal lobe predominance potentially linked to amyloid angiopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are often found on T2* MRI scans.
- Prevalence data for CMBs in older populations are limited.
- This study investigates CMBs in a community-based cohort of older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and location of CMBs in an elderly cohort.
- To explore demographic and genetic associations with CMBs.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRI (T2* weighted) was performed on 1962 participants (mean age 76).
- Demographic data and blood samples for genotyping were collected.
- Prevalence, location, and associations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- CMBs were present in 11.1% of participants.
- Prevalence was higher in men (14.4%) than women (8.8%) and increased with age.
- CMBs were predominantly in cerebral lobes (70%), with associations to homozygote Apo E epsilon4 genotype.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral microbleeds are common in older individuals.
- Increased prevalence in men and association with Apo E epsilon4 genotype suggest potential links to amyloid angiopathy.
- Parietal lobe predominance may further support this association.
