Role of Cerebral Microbleeds for Intracerebral Haemorrhage and Dementia

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCerebral microbleeds (CMB) —small round or ovoid lesions detected in hyposignal on blood-sensitive MRI sequences—are promising radiological biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease. Their relations with ischaemic or haemorragic stroke and their potential contribution to dementia have been extensively addressed. This ar ticle reviews recent research on the clinical significance of CMB that remains to be determined.Recent FindingsThe presence, burden and location of CMB allow to obtain a more accurate estimate of intracerebral haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke risk. Most studies evaluating the association between CMB and dementia are hampered by methodological limitations and show conflicting results.SummaryCMB mainly reflect the severity of the underlying small vessel disease and should not be interpreted independently of the others neuroimaging biomarkers or the clinical setting. Future large prospective longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials in various settings are required to determine whether specific therapies are beneficial in case of incidental findings.
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research