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Microembolic signals in systemic lupus erythematosus and other cerebral small vessel diseases

José Fidel Baizabal-Carvallo1, Yves Samson

  • 1Urgences Cerebrovasculaires, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris et Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris Universitas, 47-83, Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75651, Paris Cedex, France. baizabaljf@hotmail.com

Journal of Neurology
|December 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Microembolic signals (MES), detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD), are linked to small vessel brain diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showed a 14.9% MES frequency, particularly with antiphospholipid antibodies and stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Microembolic signals (MES) are typically associated with cardiac and large artery diseases.
  • However, MES can also indicate conditions affecting the brain's small vessels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the medical literature on MES detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease.
  • To explore the prevalence and associations of MES in specific small vessel diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review using PubMed.
  • Selection of articles focusing on MES assessment by TCD in cerebral small vessel disease.

Main Results:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had the most reported articles, with a pooled MES frequency of 14.9%.
  • MES were more prevalent in SLE patients with antiphospholipid antibodies and those who experienced ischemic stroke.
  • MES have also been observed in primary antiphospholipid syndrome, Sneddon's syndrome, and Behçet's disease.

Conclusions:

  • MES detected by TCD are relevant in cerebral small vessel diseases, notably SLE.
  • Further research is needed to understand the role of MES in the neurological manifestations of these disorders.

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