Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats
Published on: October 17, 2018
White Matter Hyperintensities and Cerebral Microbleeds in Ataxia-Telangiectasia
May Yung Tiet1, Stefania Nannoni1, Daniel Scoffings1
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences (M.Y.T., S.N., K.S., R.H., H.S.M.), University of Cambridge; Department of Radiology (D.S.), Addenbrooke's Hospital; and National Clinic for Ataxia Telangiectasia, Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (A.E.H.), Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Background And Objectives:
To systematically assess the occurrence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in the largest published cohort of adults with ataxia-telangiectasia (AT).
Methods:
We assessed 38 adults with AT (age range 18-55 years) including 15 classic and 23 variant AT, evaluated by two independent assessors. WMHs were quantified on T2-fluid attenuated inversion recovery images using the semiquantitative modified Scheltens and Fazekas scales and CMB on susceptibility-weighted imaging and T2*-weighted gradient echo sequences using the Brain Observer MicroBleed Scale.
Results:
CMBs were more frequently found in classic AT compared with variant AT (66.7% vs 5.9%) predominantly in cortical and subcortical regions. WMHs were seen in 25 (73.5%) probands and CMBs in 9 (31.0%). The burden of WMHs increased with age, and WMHs were focused in periventricular and deep white matter regions. WMHs were more frequently seen in variant than classic AT.
Discussion:
This cohort study confirms that WMHs and CMBs are a frequent finding in AT. Further longitudinal studies are required to understand how WMHs and CMBs relate to the neurodegeneration that occurs in AT and the predisposition to cerebral hemorrhage.
