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Microbleeds are associated with subsequent hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke in healthy elderly individuals

Hirokazu Bokura1, Reiko Saika, Takuya Yamaguchi

  • 1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Japan.

Stroke
|May 21, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The presence of cerebral microbleeds (MBs) in healthy elderly individuals can predict future hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. This finding highlights MBs as a significant indicator of stroke risk in the aging population.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (MBs) are common in stroke patients.
  • The prognostic value of MBs in individuals without cerebrovascular disease is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if MBs can predict stroke in healthy elderly individuals.
  • To determine the prognostic significance of MBs in a non-stroke population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 2102 healthy elderly subjects (mean age 62.1 years).
  • Initial assessment for MBs and silent ischemic lesions, with MB location mapping.
  • Follow-up for a mean of 3.6 years to record stroke events.

Main Results:

  • MBs detected in 4.4% of subjects; 2.1% experienced strokes during follow-up.
  • Strokes were significantly more common in subjects with MBs.
  • MBs strongly predicted deep brain hemorrhage (HR 50.2) and ischemic stroke (HR 4.48).

Conclusions:

  • The presence of MBs is a significant predictor of both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.
  • MBs provide valuable prognostic information in healthy elderly individuals.
  • Deep brain hemorrhages were associated with MBs in deep brain regions.

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