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Multiple cerebral infarctions and dementia associated with anticardiolipin antibodies

B M Coull1, D N Bourdette, S H Goodnight

  • 1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland.

Stroke
|November 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Anticardiolipin antibodies, linked to blood clots, were found in patients with unexplained strokes and dementia. Testing for these antibodies may help diagnose neurological issues in patients without lupus.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Antibodies to negatively charged phospholipids, such as cardiolipin, are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • These antibodies can indicate an increased risk of thrombotic events.

Observation:

  • Four patients presented with cerebral infarctions and dementia.
  • These patients tested positive for anticardiolipin antibodies.
  • Crucially, these patients lacked lupus anticoagulant and a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Findings:

  • The presence of anticardiolipin antibodies correlated with multiple cerebral infarctions in patients without systemic vasculitis or inflammatory conditions.
  • This suggests a potential link between anticardiolipin antibodies and unexplained cerebrovascular events.

Implications:

  • Testing for anticardiolipin antibodies may be beneficial for patients experiencing unexplained cerebral infarctions.
  • This finding could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for a subset of patients with neurological deficits.

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