Impaired kidney function and cerebral microbleeds in patients with acute ischemic stroke

We investigated the association between the presence of cerebral microbleeds and poor kidney function in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

We retrospectively examined consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent gradient echo MRI. The presence of cerebral microbleeds on gradient echo MRI was independently interpreted. The number and location of microbleeds were assessed. Demographics including age, sex, risk factors, and stroke subtype were obtained. Kidney function was estimated by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with the modification of diet in renal disease method.

Of the 152 patients included, 45 (29.6%) patients had cerebral microbleeds on gradient echo MRI. The cerebral microbleeds were most commonly located in deep or infratentorial location (27/45 [60%]). Hypertension, presence of leukoaraiosis, old age, and low GFR were associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds (p = 0.064, <0.001, 0.014, and <0.001). The mean GFR levels were lower in patients with cerebral microbleeds (65.15 +/- 22.54 vs 78.82 +/- 19.11 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). After the adjustment of risk factors, age, and sex, low GFR levels were associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds (odds ratio, 3.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.52 to 9.76, p = 0.004).

Impaired kidney function is associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds in acute ischemic stroke.