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Cerebral microbleeds are independently associated with arterial stiffness in stroke patients

Woo-Keun Seo1, Jong-Moon Lee, Moon Ho Park

  • 1Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan-city, Republic of Korea.

Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 6, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is independently associated with cerebral microbleeds (CMB) in stroke patients. This suggests a potential pathophysiological link between arterial stiffness and CMB development.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are increasingly recognized for their link to stroke recurrence and white matter lesions (WML).
  • Arterial stiffness, quantified by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is a known predictor of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
  • The relationship between CMB and arterial stiffness requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cerebral microbleeds (CMB) and arterial stiffness in patients who have experienced a stroke.
  • To determine if arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of CMB in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 255 stroke patients (cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack) from the Korea University Stroke Registry.
  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMB), stroke lesions, stroke subtypes, and white matter lesions (WML) were assessed using MRI by blinded researchers.
  • Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).

Main Results:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) were present in 22.4% of patients, predominantly in the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex.
  • Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was significantly higher in patients with CMB compared to those without (p < 0.01).
  • Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for demographics and risk factors, confirmed a significant association between baPWV and CMB (OR 1.119, 95% CI 1.013-1.237).

Conclusions:

  • Pulse wave velocity (PWV) demonstrates an independent association with cerebral microbleeds (CMB) in stroke patients.
  • These findings suggest that increased arterial stiffness may play a pathophysiological role in the development of cerebral microbleeds.

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