Cerebral microbleeds: Histopathological correlation of neuroimaging

A. Shoamanesh, C. S. Kwok, O. Benavente

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and their role in cerebrovascular disease. A few studies have investigated the histopathological correlation between CMBs and neuroimaging findings. We conducted a systematic review in an attempt to characterize the pathological and radiological correlation. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies in which CMBs were characterized histopathologically and correlated with MRI findings. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 18 patients. Hemosiderin deposition was reported in 42 CMBs (49%), while 16 CMBs (19%) were described as old hematomas which stained for iron, 13 (15%) had no associated specific pathology, 11 (13%) contained intact erythrocytes, 1 (1%) was due to vascular pseudocalcification, 1 (1%) was a microaneurysm and 1 (1%) was a distended dissected vessel. Lipofibrohyalinosis was the most prominent associated vascular finding. Amyloid angiopathy was present primarily in patients with dementia. Conclusions: Although histopathological associations have been observed using MRI in patients with CMBs, the findings have yet to be validated and further research is warranted. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)528-534
    Number of pages6
    JournalCerebrovascular Diseases
    Volume32
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2011

    Keywords

    • Histology
    • Histopathology
    • Microbleeds
    • Microhaemorrhage
    • Microhemorrhage
    • Pathology

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