Cerebral microbleeds are a risk factor for warfarin-related intracerebral hemorrhage

Seung-Hoon Lee1, Wi-Sun Ryu, Jae-Kyu Roh

  • 1Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Neurology
|January 14, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cerebral microbleeds significantly increase the risk of warfarin-related intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Identifying microbleeds is crucial for assessing bleeding risk in patients taking warfarin.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds indicate bleeding-prone microangiopathy.
  • Microbleeds may predict incident intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between microbleeds and warfarin-related ICH incidence.

Main Methods:

  • Compared 24 ICH patients on warfarin with 48 controls.
  • Analyzed demographic, vascular, laboratory, and radiologic findings, including microbleeds.

Main Results:

  • Microbleeds were more frequent (79.2% vs 22.9%) and numerous in the ICH group.
  • Microbleed presence strongly correlated with warfarin-related ICH (adjusted OR, 83.12).
  • Increased prothrombin time and microbleeds were independent predictors of warfarin-related ICH.

Conclusions:

  • Underlying microbleeds are independently associated with warfarin-related ICH.
  • Further research is needed on warfarin use in patients with microbleeds.

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...