Urinary Immunoglobulin G Is Associated with Deep and Infratentorial Cerebral Microbleeds in Stroke Patients

Teppei Komatsu1, Hiroyuki Kida1, Masakazu Ozawa1

  • 1Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Abstract

Insights

Urinary immunoglobulin G (IgG) is linked to deep or mixed cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in stroke patients. This finding highlights a potential connection between kidney injury markers and microbleed distribution.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Nephrology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are markers of cerebral small vessel disease.
  • Chronic kidney disease and microalbuminuria are linked to CMBs in stroke patients.
  • The association between urinary immunoglobulin G (IgG) and CMBs is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between urinary IgG and the presence and location of CMBs in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 298 patients who underwent susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and spot urine testing.
  • Classification of CMB location: strictly lobar, deep/infratentorial (D/I), or mixed.
  • Statistical analysis of the association between urinary IgG and CMB presence/location.

Main Results:

  • Urinary IgG positivity was found in 19% of patients, and CMBs in 54%.
  • Urinary IgG was significantly associated with the presence of CMBs (28% vs. 9%) and D/I or mixed CMBs (34% vs. 10%).
  • Multivariate analysis showed urinary IgG and hypertension were strongly associated with D/I or mixed CMBs (OR 3.479 and 3.415, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Urinary IgG is associated with the prevalence of deep/infratentorial or mixed location CMBs in TIA or ischemic stroke patients.
  • These findings suggest a link between urinary IgG, a marker of glomerular injury, and the distribution patterns of CMBs.

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