Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 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

2.6K

Cerebral microbleeds and asymptomatic cerebral infarctions in patients with atrial fibrillation

Tsukasa Saito1, Yuichiro Kawamura1, Yasuko Tanabe1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurology Division, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan.

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases : the Official Journal of National Stroke Association
|April 1, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have more cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). Baseline CMBs predict future asymptomatic cerebral infarction and increased CMBs in AF patients, highlighting their role in microangiopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to ischemic strokes, but research on focal cerebral microangiopathic lesions is limited.
  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are increasingly recognized for their role in cerebral small vessel disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare CMB prevalence in AF patients versus controls.
  • To determine if CMBs predict future cerebral microangiopathy in AF patients prospectively.

Main Methods:

  • Yearly brain MRI scans for up to 5 years in 131 AF patients and 112 controls.
  • Seventy-seven AF patients had over 3 yearly MRI scans.

Main Results:

  • Baseline CMBs were associated with the development of asymptomatic cerebral infarction (ACI) (P=.004).
  • CMBs at baseline predicted increased occurrence of ACIs (HR, 5.414; P=.046) and consecutive CMBs (HR, 6.274; P=.015).

Conclusions:

  • Patients with AF exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of CMBs.
  • Baseline CMBs may predict the onset of ACI and increased CMBs in AF patients.
Keywords:
Microbleedsatrial fibrillationcerebral infarctioncerebral small vessels

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.6K
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

2.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
20
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
18
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.
44
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...
30
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
589