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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Different distribution patterns of cerebral microbleeds in acute ischemic stroke patients with and without
Jian Sun1, Yannie Oi Yan Soo, Wynnie Wai Man Lam
1State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Background:
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were found in patients with and without hypertension. We aimed to investigate different distribution patterns of CMBs in patients with and without hypertension.
Methods:
We examined acute ischemic stroke patients using a standardized MRI protocol that included T(1), T(2) and gradient-echo T(2)*. Clinical and imaging characteristics were collected from all patients.
Results:
Among 998 patients, CMBs were detected in 273 patients (27.3%). Of these, 62 did not have hypertension (22.7%). The incidence of CMBs among patients without hypertension (62/335, 18.5%) was lower than among those with hypertension (211/663, 31.8%; p < 0.01). The location of CMBs in patients without hypertension was limited to the cortical-subcortical (CSC) region in 40.3% (25/62) compared to 20.4% of those with hypertension (43/211; p = 0.01). No significant difference was found between CMB locations within the intra-CSC region in both groups. The severity of white matter changes and systolic blood pressure on admission were found to be independent predictors for CMBs in patients without hypertension.
Conclusions:
CMBs in patients with and without hypertension have different distribution patterns and may have a different pathogenesis. Blood pressure controlling is important in both groups because systolic blood pressure is an independent predictor of CMBs in patients without hypertension.
Insights
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) distribution differs between hypertensive and normotensive patients. Systolic blood pressure predicts CMBs in those without hypertension, highlighting the importance of blood pressure control.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are observed in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals.
- Understanding the distribution patterns of CMBs is crucial for diagnosing and managing neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the distribution patterns of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in patients with and without hypertension.
- To identify predictors of CMBs in normotensive patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a standardized MRI protocol including T(1), T(2), and gradient-echo T(2)* sequences.
- Collected clinical and imaging characteristics from 998 acute ischemic stroke patients.
Main Results:
- CMBs were detected in 27.3% of patients (273/998).
- The incidence of CMBs was lower in normotensive patients (18.5%) compared to hypertensive patients (31.8%).
- CMBs were more frequently located in the cortical-subcortical region in normotensive patients (40.3%) versus hypertensive patients (20.4%).
- White matter changes and admission systolic blood pressure independently predicted CMBs in normotensive patients.
Conclusions:
- Cerebral microbleeds exhibit distinct distribution patterns in hypertensive versus normotensive individuals, suggesting different underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.
- Effective blood pressure management is essential for both groups, as systolic blood pressure is a significant predictor of CMBs in normotensive patients.
Related Concept Videos
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Stroke: Introduction and Types
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

