Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 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 are associated with the progression of ischemic vascular lesions

Saloua Akoudad1, Mohammad Arfan Ikram, Peter J Koudstaal

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 28, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) predict new ischemic brain lesions in the general population. This suggests a shared pathway for both hemorrhagic and ischemic vascular brain damage, highlighting CMBs as a marker of active vasculopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Neurology
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Hemorrhagic and ischemic brain lesions often coexist and may progress together.
  • Silent vascular brain lesions are common, but their concurrent progression is understudied.
  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are a type of hemorrhagic lesion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between pre-existing and incident CMBs and the progression of ischemic lesions in the general population.
  • To determine if CMBs are associated with the development of new lacunes or the worsening of white matter lesions (WMLs).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective population-based study (Rotterdam Scan Study) with 803 participants aged ≥60 years.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and follow-up (average 3.4 years).
  • Visual rating of microbleeds and lacunes; automated segmentation of WMLs. Logistic and linear regression analyses adjusted for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Pre-existing CMBs were associated with a higher incidence of lacunes (OR 4.67).
  • Incident CMBs were strongly associated with a higher incidence of lacunes (OR 9.18).
  • Incident CMBs in cortico-subcortical regions were linked to WML volume progression (mean difference 0.41). Pre-existing CMBs and WML progression were not significantly related.

Conclusions:

  • CMBs are predictors of incident ischemic brain lesions in the general population.
  • CMBs may serve as an imaging marker for active vasculopathy.
  • Findings support a common underlying mechanism for hemorrhagic and ischemic vascular brain lesions.

More Related Videos

Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images08:39

Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images

Published on: November 20, 2015

12.8K
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

6.1K

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...
44
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...
14
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...
18
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...
16
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.
30
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
31