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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Published on: November 20, 2015
Biomarker-based assessment of cerebral small vessel disease progression after ischemic stroke - a prospective cohort
Lachin Hasanova1, Paula Klassen1, Anastasia Nosanova1,2
1Neurology Department, Vascular Division, Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Background:
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a leading cause of ischemic stroke and vascular cognitive impairment, yet currently lacks clinically established biomarkers for monitoring disease activity. While clinical routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide quantitative measures of structural brain changes, it does not capture ongoing pathophysiological processes. Blood-based biomarkers offer a minimally invasive approach to detect dynamic changes in CSVD and may provide novel insights into mechanisms of progression and potential targets for intervention. This study aims to evaluate longitudinal trajectories of candidate blood biomarkers and their association with MRI-derived markers and cognitive outcomes in patients with CSVD.
Methods:
In this single-center, prospective observational cohort study at the University Hospital Ulm, Germany, up to 180 adults with MRI-proven evidence of CSVD will be recruited and stratified into three groups: (1) CSVD without acute ischemic stroke, (2) CSVD with acute lacunar ischemic stroke, and (3) CSVD with territorial ischemic stroke. Participants will undergo comprehensive assessments at baseline, at 3, 6, and 12 months after enrollment. The primary outcome is defined as longitudinal changes of White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH) volumes. Secondary outcomes upon one year include DTI-derived measures, changes in blood biomarkers, cognitive performance, clinical functional measures, and incidence of new cerebrovascular events. Imaging, neurovascular ultrasound, and neuropsychological assessments will be conducted using standardized protocols. Clinical primary and secondary outcomes will be correlated to post-mortem CSVD pathology in the brain in prospectively studied patients, who have consented to autopsy.
Discussion:
By integrating blood-based biomarkers with advanced imaging and longitudinal cognitive assessments, this study aims to advance our understanding of CSVD pathophysiology and may identify biomarkers of disease activity. Our findings hopefully inform future precision-medicine approaches and novel therapeutic strategies.
Trial Registration:
German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00038936), registered February 3, 2026.