Cortical Superficial Siderosis: A Descriptive Analysis in a Memory Clinic Population

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) is a brain MRI finding indicating blood-brain barrier disruption.
• cSS and cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are markers of small vessel disease, often linked to cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of cSS in a memory clinic population.
• To investigate the association of cSS with specific neurological conditions and risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 613 memory clinic patients' brain MRIs and neuropsychological assessments.
• Visual assessment of cSS and classification (focal or disseminated).
• Classification of CMB using the Microbleed Anatomical Rating Scale.

Main Results:

• cSS was detected in 4.2% of patients, frequently associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular components (69%).
• Patients with cSS showed higher prevalence of hypertension (81%) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH).
• cSS presence was significantly associated with multiple CMB (≥5) and hypertension in logistic regression.

Conclusions:

• cSS is observed in patients with AD and AD with vascular components.
• cSS is independently associated with multiple CMB and hypertension.
• These findings highlight cSS as a relevant marker in neurodegenerative and vascular brain diseases.