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Updated: Jul 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
Matthew D Howe1,2, Megan R Caruso1, Masood Manoochehri1
1Butler Hospital Memory & Aging Program, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Introduction:
The relationship between cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and amyloid beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is understudied. We hypothesized that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based CVD biomarkers-including cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), lacunar infarction, and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs)-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 = 1352). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs), with Aβ-PET positivity as the standard-of-truth.
Results:
Following adjustment, WMHs (OR = 1.25) and superficial CMBs (OR = 1.45) remained positively associated with Aβ-PET positivity (p < 0.001). Deep CMBs and lacunes 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-R2 = 0.41).
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).
Highlights:
Cerebrovascular biomarkers linked to amyloid beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). White matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleeds reliably predict Aβ-PET positivity. Relationships with Aβ-PET vary by cognitive stage. Novel accessible model predicts Aβ-PET status. Study supports multimodal diagnostic approaches.
Insights
Cerebrovascular disease biomarkers, including white matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleeds, are linked to amyloid beta positivity in Alzheimer's disease. These findings support using imaging markers for AD diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- The link between cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and amyloid beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires further investigation.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based CVD biomarkers may correlate with Aβ positivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MRI-defined CVD biomarkers and Aβ-PET positivity in Alzheimer's disease.
- To assess the predictive value of CVD biomarkers for Aβ-PET status.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 1352 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).
- Logistic regression models were used to determine odds ratios for Aβ-PET positivity based on CVD biomarkers.
Main Results:
- White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and superficial cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were significantly associated with Aβ-PET positivity.
- Deep CMBs and lacunar infarcts showed varied associations with Aβ-PET across cognitive subgroups.
- A combined diagnostic model incorporating CVD biomarkers demonstrated significant predictive power for Aβ-PET status (pseudo-R² = 0.41).
Conclusions:
- CVD biomarkers, particularly WMHs and CMBs, are valuable indicators of Aβ-PET positivity in AD.
- The findings support the integration of CVD biomarkers into diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease.
- Further research is needed to explore the full translational value of these biomarkers.
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