Spatial clustering of hemorrhages in probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Ann Neurol. 2005 Sep;58(3):459-62. doi: 10.1002/ana.20596.

Abstract

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common cause of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), as well as small asymptomatic hemorrhage in the elderly. We used gradient-echo MRI to analyze spatial distribution of 321 hemorrhages in 59 patients with probable CAA-related ICH. Hemorrhagic lesions were found preferentially in the temporal (ratio of actual to expected hemorrhages = 1.37) and occipital lobes (ratio = 1.45, p < 0.0001). Within individuals, hemorrhages tended to cluster, regardless of lobe (p < 0.0001). Among subjects followed prospectively for recurrence, clustering of new symptomatic and asymptomatic hemorrhages was observed. These data suggest that regional differences within the brain play a role in the development of CAA-related hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy / complications*
  • Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy / pathology
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged