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

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

A-H Cho1, S B Lee, S J Han

  • 1Department of Neurology, The Catholic University of Korea, St Mary's Hospital, Young-dung-PO Gu, Seoul 150-713, South Korea.

Neurology
|November 18, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Poor kidney function is linked to cerebral microbleeds in acute ischemic stroke patients. This finding highlights the importance of assessing kidney health in stroke survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Nephrology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are increasingly recognized markers of small vessel disease.
  • The relationship between CMBs and kidney function in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the presence of cerebral microbleeds and impaired kidney function in patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 152 acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing gradient echo MRI.
  • Assessment of cerebral microbleed presence, number, and location.
  • Kidney function evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula.

Main Results:

  • Cerebral microbleeds were detected in 29.6% of patients, predominantly in deep or infratentorial locations.
  • Factors associated with CMBs included hypertension, leukoaraiosis, older age, and lower eGFR (p < 0.001).
  • Patients with CMBs exhibited significantly lower mean eGFR levels (65.15 vs 78.82 mL/min/1.73 m²).
  • Low eGFR remained significantly associated with the presence of CMBs after adjusting for risk factors, age, and sex (OR, 3.85; 95% CI, 1.52–9.76; p = 0.004).

Conclusions:

  • Impaired kidney function, indicated by low eGFR, is independently associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
  • This association suggests a potential shared pathophysiology or common risk factors between small vessel disease in the brain and kidneys.

More Related Videos

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Assessment of Neuroimmune Interactions in a Mini-Stroke Murine Model08:22

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Assessment of Neuroimmune Interactions in a Mini-Stroke Murine Model

Published on: June 20, 2025

Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats06:39

Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats

Published on: October 17, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
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.
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...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...