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Published on: November 20, 2015
Disseminated Microinfarctions with Cerebral Microbleeds
Mark Fisher1, Kevin Kapur1, Sylvia Soo2
1Department of Neurology.
Abstract:
Disseminated microinfarctions are uncommonly encountered in clinical practice. Here we describe a patient with long-standing cerebral microbleeds who developed acute cognitive decline in the setting of acute hypotension. Magnetic resonance imaging showed acute disseminated microinfarctions, with no change in microbleeds. This case emphasizes the important relationship between ischemic and hemorrhagic microvascular disease of the brain, especially in the setting of acute blood pressure changes compounding preexisting microvascular injury.
Insights
Acute hypotension can trigger disseminated microinfarctions in patients with pre-existing cerebral microbleeds. This case highlights the link between ischemic and hemorrhagic brain microvascular disease during blood pressure changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Disseminated microinfarctions are rare neurological events.
- Cerebral microbleeds indicate underlying microvascular disease.
- Maintaining stable blood pressure is crucial for brain health.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of cerebral microbleeds experienced sudden cognitive decline.
- The decline coincided with a period of acute hypotension.
- Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess brain changes.
Findings:
- The patient presented with acute disseminated microinfarctions.
- No significant changes were observed in the pre-existing microbleeds.
- The findings suggest a link between hypotension and new ischemic events.
Implications:
- This case underscores the vulnerability of compromised brain microvasculature to blood pressure fluctuations.
- It highlights the interplay between ischemic and hemorrhagic microvascular injuries.
- Understanding this relationship is vital for managing patients with cerebrovascular disease.
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