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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol for Stroke Onset Time Estimation in Permanent Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: September 16, 2017
Three-tesla magnetic resonance imaging study of cerebral microbleeds in patients with ischemic stroke
Jiancheng Han1, Peiyi Gao, Yan Lin
1Neuroimaging Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Objectives:
The aims of this study were to analyse the distribution of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in patients with ischemic stroke and study the relationship between CMBs and the severity of old lacunar infarcts and cerebral white matter changes.
Methods:
The study population consisted of 247 consecutive inpatients with ischemic stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of these inpatients were observed. CMBs were counted respectively according to their locations, including the corticosubcortical regions, basal ganglia, thalami, brainstem and cerebellum. The number of the old lacunes and the severity of the cerebral white matter changes were also recorded. Based on the occurrence of CMBs, the patients were divided into two groups (72 patients with CMBs; 175 patients without CMBs).
Results:
The most common location of CMBs in patients with ischemic stroke was the basal ganglia, followed by the corticosubcortical region, the thalami, the brainstem and the cerebellum. The severity of CMBs was closely correlated with the severity of lacunar infarcts and cerebral white matter changes, respectively.
Discussion:
CMBs are closely related with cerebral microangiopathy and may be a marker of advanced stage cerebral microangiopathy.
Insights
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are common in ischemic stroke patients, particularly in the basal ganglia. CMB severity correlates with lacunar infarcts and white matter changes, indicating advanced cerebral microangiopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Cerebrovascular Disease
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are increasingly recognized as indicators of cerebrovascular disease.
- Their distribution and association with other markers of small vessel disease in ischemic stroke patients require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in patients with ischemic stroke.
- To investigate the relationship between CMBs and the severity of old lacunar infarcts and cerebral white matter changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 247 ischemic stroke inpatients using magnetic resonance imaging.
- CMBs were counted and localized (corticosubcortical, basal ganglia, thalami, brainstem, cerebellum).
- Lacunar infarcts and white matter changes severity were recorded; patients grouped by CMB presence.
Main Results:
- Basal ganglia was the most frequent CMB location in ischemic stroke patients.
- CMB prevalence was observed in corticosubcortical regions, thalami, brainstem, and cerebellum.
- A significant correlation was found between CMB severity and the severity of lacunar infarcts and white matter changes.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral microbleeds are closely associated with cerebral microangiopathy.
- CMBs may serve as a biomarker for advanced stages of cerebral microangiopathy.
