The Application of SWI in Diagnosing Cerebral Microbleeds Correlated with Hypertension

Objective To explore the SWI appearances of cerebral microbleeds(CMBs)in hypertension patients and relationship between the SWI findings and hypertension level,leukoaraiosis,associated infarction and lobular hemorrhage. Materials and Methods SWI was completed in 59 cases with hypertension. The appearances of CMBs in phase and negative mask images were analyzed. The relationship between number and distribution of CMBs,clinical fingdings and other imaging findings were also analyzed. Results CMBs were found in 35 cases(59%). CMBs presented with typical appearances of paramagnetic material in phase images. CMBs mainly located at cortex or subcortex(1,0-5),basal ganglia region(3,0-10). Average systolic pressure level(154.4±15.0) mmHgand diastolic pressure level(92.6±12.6) mmHg in 35 cases with CMBs were higher than those in 24 cases without CMBs. There was significant difference in number of CMBs between patients with different degree leukoaraiosis. Number of CMBs in patients with stroke was more than that in patients without associated diseases. Conclusion SWI was helpful in the detection of CMBs. CMBs in patients with hypertension mainly located in basal ganglia region,cortex and subcortex. The presence and number of CMBs might reflect degree of the damage of cerebral small perforating branches.