Study of Cerebral Microbleeds in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Objective To investigate the frequency and location of cerebral microbleeds(CMBs) in patients with ischemic stroke,to compare the incidences among subtypes,and to analyze the correlation factors and the correlation with the number of lacunar infarcts and the severity of white matter changes(WMC). Methods Two hundred and sixty-one patients with ischemic stroke were recruited consecutively. The included patients were classified into 3 subtypes consist of cardioembolism,large artery atherosclerosis and small artery occlusion(SAO) according to pathogenesis.The data of the clinical character and laboratory examination were recorded.The incidence and number of CMBs were studied on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),the number of lacunar infarction and severity of WMC were also evaluated. Results Eighty(30.70%) patients were found with CMBs,the number from 1 to 109 which distributed at different parts of brain including cortical-subcortical area(46.09%),basal ganglia(27.80%).The incidences(53.30%) of SAO was the highest among the subtypes.Logistic regression analysis indicated that hypertension,the number of lacunar infarction and severity of white matter changes may served as the independent risk factors for CMBs.There was correlation between the number of CMBs and the number of lacunar infarction or severity of white matter changes. Conclusion It shows a high frequency of CMBs in patients with ischemic stroke especially in the SAO.CMBs are associated with the number of lacunar infarcts(r=0.519,P0.001) and severity of white matter changes(r=0.437,P0.001),which indicated CMBs may be an indicator of advanced small artery disease of brain,and the result should be taken into consideration when they are being treated.