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Uncommon Causes of Cerebral Microbleeds
Nariman Noorbakhsh-Sabet1, Varun Chandi Pulakanti2, Ramin Zand3
1Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.
Background:
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are small and round perivascular hemosiderin depositions detectable by gradient echo sequences or susceptibility-weighted imaging. Cerebral microbleeds are common among patients with hypertension, cerebral ischemia, or cerebral amyloid angiopathy. In this article, we describe uncommon causes of CMBs.
Methods:
We searched Pubmed with the keyword CMBs for relevant studies and looked for different uncommon causes of CMBs.
Results:
CMBs have several uncommon etiologies including posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, infective endocarditis, brain radiation therapy, cocaine abuse, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, traumatic brain injury, intravascular lymphomatosis or proliferating angio-endotheliomatosis, moyamoya disease, sickle cell anemia/β-thalassemia, cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy subcortical infarcts, and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), genetic syndromes, or obstructive sleep apnea.
Conclusions:
Understanding the uncommon causes of CMBs is not only helpful in diagnosis and prognosis of some of these rare diseases, but can also help in better understanding different pathophysiology involved in the development of CMBs.
Insights
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are often linked to common conditions, but this review highlights rarer causes. Identifying these uncommon etiologies is crucial for diagnosis and understanding CMBs development.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are perivascular hemosiderin deposits detected via specific imaging techniques.
- CMBs are frequently observed in patients with hypertension, cerebral ischemia, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
- This review focuses on the less common causes of CMBs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe uncommon etiologies of cerebral microbleeds.
- To expand the differential diagnosis for CMBs beyond common causes.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using PubMed with the keyword 'CMBs'.
- Relevant studies detailing various causes of CMBs were reviewed.
- Focus was placed on identifying and categorizing uncommon CMB etiologies.
Main Results:
- Uncommon causes of CMBs include posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, infective endocarditis, and radiation therapy.
- Other rare etiologies identified are cocaine abuse, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and traumatic brain injury.
- Additional uncommon causes include intravascular lymphomatosis, moyamoya disease, sickle cell anemia/β-thalassemia, CADASIL, genetic syndromes, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing uncommon CMB causes aids in diagnosing and prognosticating rare diseases.
- Understanding these diverse etiologies enhances the comprehension of CMB pathophysiology.
- This knowledge is vital for comprehensive patient management and research.
