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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of the Cerebrovasculature: Relevance to CNS Diseases
Published on: December 6, 2016
Utility of cerebrovascular imaging biomarkers to detect cerebral amyloidosis
Introduction:
The relationship between cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer disease (AD) is understudied. We hypothesized that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based CVD biomarkers, including cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), ischemic infarction, and white matter hyperintensities (WMH), would correlate with Aβ positivity on positron emission tomography (Aβ-PET).
Methods:
We cross-sectionally analyzed data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI, N=1,352). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs), with Aβ-PET positivity as the standard-of-truth.
Results:
Following adjustment, WMH (OR=1.25) and superficial CMBs (OR=1.45) remained positively associated with Aβ-PET positivity (p<.001). Deep CMBs and infarcts exhibited a varied relationship with Aβ-PET in cognitive subgroups. The combined diagnostic model, which included CVD biomarkers and other accessible measures, significantly predicted Aβ-PET (pseudo-R 2 =.41).
Discussion:
The study highlights the translational value of CVD biomarkers in diagnosing AD, and underscores the need for more research on their inclusion in diagnostic criteria. ClinicalTrials.gov: ADNI-2 ( NCT01231971 ), ADNI-3 ( NCT02854033 ).
Insights
Cerebrovascular disease biomarkers like white matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleeds correlate with amyloid-β positivity in Alzheimer's disease. These findings support using CVD markers in AD diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- The link between cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires further investigation.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect CVD biomarkers such as cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), ischemic infarction, and white matter hyperintensities (WMH).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if MRI-based CVD biomarkers correlate with Aβ positivity in Alzheimer's disease.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of CVD biomarkers in predicting Aβ-PET positivity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 1,352 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).
- Logistic regression was employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for Aβ-PET positivity, using Aβ-PET as the reference standard.
Main Results:
- White matter hyperintensities (OR=1.25) and superficial CMBs (OR=1.45) showed a significant positive association with Aβ-PET positivity (p<.001).
- Deep CMBs and infarcts had variable associations with Aβ-PET across cognitive subgroups.
- A combined diagnostic model incorporating CVD biomarkers achieved significant prediction of Aβ-PET positivity (pseudo-R² =.41).
Conclusions:
- Cerebrovascular disease biomarkers possess translational value in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
- Further research is warranted to explore the inclusion of CVD biomarkers in diagnostic criteria for AD.
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