Cortical superficial siderosis predicts early recurrent lobar hemorrhage

Cerebrospinal Fluid Beta-Amyloid Concentration and Clinical and Radiographic Manifestations of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

BACKGROUND

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is driven by vascular Aβ (amyloid-beta) deposition, which can be detected as reduced Aβ species in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We sought to identify relationships between CSF Aβ and tau concentrations and various manifestations of CAA.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional single-center study of patients diagnosed with CAA per Boston Criteria version 2.0, had magnetic resonance imaging brain scans, and underwent CSF testing for Aβ and tau concentrations between 2008 and 2022. Associations between clinical/magnetic resonance imaging features and CSF biomarker concentrations were investigated with univariate and multivariate models.

RESULTS

We identified 31 patients aged 69.6±8.4 years, of whom 20 presented with cognitive complaints, 9 with CAA-related macrohemorrhage (lobar intraparenchymal or convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage), and 2 with transient focal neurological episodes. Presence of macrohemorrhage (301.8±112 pg/mL versus 400.9±123 pg/mL, P=0.029), cortical superficial siderosis (309.6±131 mg/dL versus 412.3±100 pg/mL, P=0.021), and severe enlarged perivascular spaces in centrum semiovale (285.8±91 pg/mL versus 428.3±117 pg/mL, P<0.001) were associated with lower Aβ42 concentrations. Aβ42 concentrations inversely correlated with the number of these manifestations, being lowest in patients having all three. Patients with cognitive complaints had higher t-tau (total tau; 551±320 pg/mL versus 317.2±141 pg/mL, P=0.03) and trended toward having higher p-tau (phosphorylated tau at threonine 181) concentrations (75.69±39 pg/mL versus 49.24±22 pg/mL, P=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower CSF Aβ42, suggesting higher amyloid burden, is associated with CAA-related macrohemorrhages and severe enlarged perivascular spaces in centrum semiovale, suggesting potential mechanistic links and CSF Aβ42 as a potential biomarker for progression of CAA. CSF tau concentrations are linked to cognitive complaints, likely representing comorbid Alzheimer disease pathology.

Clinical and Neuroradiological Manifestations of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: A Closer Look into the Natural History of a Frequent Disease

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is one of the most prevalent small vessel diseases (SVDs). Its neuroradiological hallmarks are both hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic ones. Among the clinical manifestations, transient focal neurological episodes (TFNEs) are associated with an increased risk of bleeding in a short time period and with convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The natural history of CAA is incompletely characterized in the literature, because the focus has been mostly on hemorrhagic events, while both clinical and non-hemorrhagic presentations are possible and sometimes underestimated. Furthermore, new diagnostic criteria have incorporated non-hemorrhagic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) markers and non-hemorrhagic clinical presentations. Disease trajectories are often individual and help provide food for thought and discussion on some issues, thus allowing for a greater and deeper evaluation. We, therefore, present a case that exemplifies how the natural history of CAA can be atypical compared to its expected course, which is long and not only hemorrhagic. Several episodes of CAA-related inflammation, with prevalent, but not exclusive, leptomeningeal involvement, were evaluated and treated in the presented case, in which the intraparenchymal cerebral hemorrhagic manifestation was the last in the patient's history. CAA may have a very long natural history. During the disease's course, inflammatory features might be prominent in neuroimaging but not strongly symptomatic, and intraparenchymal cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may be a late event. The awareness of this subtype of the disease allows us to better explore the pathophysiology of CAA and to increase the level of clinical suspicion for the diagnosis. Furthermore, the distinction between different disease phenotypes can provide useful information for patient management in clinical practice.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage and finger-like projection predict recurrence in patients with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with a high risk of recurrence, particularly in elderly patients, where cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is often the primary cause. Diagnostic markers of CAA-related ICH, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and finger-like projection (FLP), have recently been developed. Here, we aimed to explore the associations between SAH, FLP and the risk of ICH recurrence in lobar ICH patients.

METHODS

We analyzed data from consecutive lobar ICH patients using the method of cohort study. We divided them into 4 groups on the basis of the presence or absence of SAH and FLP on CT imaging. The Cox regression model and competing risk model were used to analyze the associations of SAH and FLP with the risk of ICH recurrence at 1 year.

RESULTS

In total, 353 patients with lobar ICH (median age 74 [62, 81] years, 57.2% male) were included in our study. During follow-up, recurrence occurred in 34 patients (10.6%), and 90 patients (28.1%) died. The competing risk model revealed that patients in the SAH + FLP- (HR 2.88, 95% CI 1.12-7.44, p = 0.03) and SAH + FLP + (HR 8.38, 95% CI 3.40-20.66, p < 0.001) groups had higher risks of ICH recurrence within 1 year than did those in the SAH-FLP- group.

CONCLUSION

SAH is an important predictor of ICH recurrence, and this predictive ability is further enhanced when FLP is present. These findings suggest that SAH, especially with FLP, can be a valuable tool for assessing prognosis in lobar ICH patients.

Cerebral Proteomic Changes in the rTg-D Rat Model of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Type-2 With Cortical Microhemorrhages and Cognitive Impairments

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common disorder of the elderly, a prominent comorbidity of Alzheimer's disease, and causes vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Previously, we generated a novel transgenic rat model (rTg-D) that produces human familial CAA Dutch E22Q mutant amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in brain and develops arteriolar CAA type-2. Here, we show that deposition of fibrillar Aβ promotes arteriolar smooth muscle cell loss and cerebral microhemorrhages that can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed by histopathology. Aged rTg-D rats also present with cognitive deficits. Cerebral proteomic analyses revealed 241 proteins that were significantly elevated with an increase of >50% in rTg-D rats presenting with CAA compared to wild-type rats. Fewer proteins were significantly decreased in rTg-D rats. Of note, high temperature requirement peptidase A (HTRA1), a proteinase linked to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) signaling, was elevated and found to accumulate in cerebral vessels harboring amyloid deposits. Pathway analysis indicated elevation of the TGF-β1 pathway and increased TGF-β1 levels were detected in rTg-D rats. In conclusion, the present findings provide new molecular insights into the pathogenesis of CAA and suggest a role for interactions between HTRA1 and TGF-β1 in the disease process.

Clinical characteristics of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and risk factors of cerebral amyloid angiopathy related intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

There is limited understanding of the differences between cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) with and without intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This article aimed to describe the characteristics of CAA and identify the risk factors of CAA-ICH in a multicenter cohort.

METHODS

Patients consecutively enrolled in the national multicenter prospective Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Cohort Study who met the Boston diagnostic criteria for CAA or CAA-related inflammation were included in this study. The demographic characteristics and clinical data were collected. The clinical and radiographic differences between CAA with and without ICH were compared to identify the risk factors for CAA-ICH.

RESULTS

A total of 219 CAA patients were included, with an average age of 67.12 ± 9.93. Of all patients, 26.0% were CAA with ICH. Univariate analysis showed that CAA-ICH is associated with carrying more APOE ε2 allele, less lobar cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), lower Fazekas scale, a tendency of gait disorder, and acute onset (P < 0.05). The generalized linear mixed model yielded statistically significant associations between CAA with ICH and carrying the APOE ε2 allele, cSS, the lower number of lobar CMBs, and the lower Fazekas scale (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It is meaningful to classify CAA with and without ICH, as there may be different mechanisms between the two. CAA with ICH has a susceptibility to carrying APOE ε2, cSS, and a relatively small number of CMBs. Fewer CMBs do not mean lower susceptibility to ICH in CAA. Larger prospective cohort studies are necessary to further clarify these conclusions.

SWI versus GRE-T2*: Assessing cortical superficial siderosis in advanced cerebral amyloid angiopathy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) is a key neuroimaging marker of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) detected on blood-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to assess cSS in advanced CAA patients and explore differences in its evaluation between susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) and gradient recalled echo-T2* (GRE-T2*).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Neuroimaging data gathered from a prospective cohort of CAA patients with probable or definite CAA were retrospectively analyzed by two independent raters. SWI and GRE-T2* were used to assess presence and severity (absent, focal [≤3 sulci] or disseminated [>3 sulci]) of cSS and number of foci. Ratings were compared between sequences and inter-rater agreement was determined. Post hoc analysis explored differences in cSS multifocality scores.

RESULTS

We detected cSS in 38 patients with SWI and in 36 with GRE-T2* (70.4% versus 66.7%; P=0.5). The two raters agreed in detecting more disseminated cSS when using SWI: 16 focal (29.63%) and 20 disseminated (37.04%) cases of cSS seen on GRE-T2* and 11 (20.37%) focal and 27 (50%) disseminated cSS cases seen using SWI (P=0.008). Inter-rater agreement was equivalent for the two sequences (κpresence 0.7 versus 0.69; κseverity 0.74 versus 0.66) for assessing both presence and severity of cSS. Post hoc analysis showed higher multifocality scores from both raters' SWI evaluations, with agreement equivalent to that for T2* evaluations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that SWI ratings could show more disseminated cSS and higher multifocality scores in advanced CAA patients with inter-rater reliability equivalent to that obtained using GRE-T2*, regardless of level of experience.

Risk factors for recurrent cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related intracerebral hemorrhage

Background

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is the most common cause of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the elderly, and its multifocal and recurrent nature leads to high rates of disability and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the evidence regarding the recurrence rate and risk factors for CAA-related ICH (CAA-ICH).

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of all English studies published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL from inception to June 10, 2023. Studies reporting CAA-ICH recurrence rates and risk factors for CAA-ICH recurrence were included. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random/fixed-effects model based on the I2 assessment of heterogeneity between studies. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test.

Results

Thirty studies were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis showed that the recurrence rate of CAA-ICH was 23% (95% CI: 18-28%, I2 = 96.7%). The risk factors significantly associated with CAA-ICH recurrence were: previous ICH (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.50-2.75; I2 = 36.8%; N = 8), baseline ICH volume (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1-1.02; I2 = 0%; N = 4), subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.86-4.99; I2 = 0%; N = 3), the presence of cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.46-2.83; I2 = 0%; N = 5), disseminated cSS (OR = 3.21; 95% CI: 2.25-4.58; I2 = 16.0%; N = 6), and centrum semiovale-perivascular spaces (CSO-PVS) severity (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.14-2.45; I2 = 0%; N = 4).

Conclusion

CAA-ICH has a high recurrence rate. cSAH, cSS (especially if disseminated), and CSO-PVS were significant markers for recurrent CAA-ICH. The onset of ICH in patients with CAA is usually repeated several times, and recurrence is partly related to the index ICH volume. Identifying clinical and neuroimaging predictors of CAA-ICH recurrence is of great significance for evaluating outcomes and improving the prognosis of patients with CAA-ICH.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=400240, identifier [CRD42023400240].

Superficial siderosis: comparison of two cases indicates two distinct diagnostic entities. Illustrative cases

BACKGROUND

Superficial siderosis is the deposition of hemosiderin in the superficial layers of the central nervous system. It has been described in patients with chronic leakage of blood into the cerebrospinal fluid or with amyloid angiopathy, often associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

OBSERVATIONS

We present two cases of superficial siderosis with vastly different symptomatologies and treatment courses. The patient in case 1 had diffuse superficial siderosis demonstrated on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), appearing mostly in the inferior cerebellum and extending throughout the neuraxis. He presented with hearing loss, spasticity, gait abnormalities, and urinary incontinence. Ultimately, surgical exploration of the thoracic spinal dura revealed an arteriovenous fistula, which was obliterated. His clinical course stabilized but with persistent deficits. The patient in case 2 had a family history of AD and underwent MRI to evaluate for memory impairment, which demonstrated superficial siderosis of the left occipital lobe. Lumbar puncture demonstrated only traumatic contamination by red blood cells, but tau protein analysis was consistent with the diagnosis of AD.

LESSONS

Superficial siderosis is a diagnostic term prompted by findings on MRI that can arise due to two different pathological entities. The diagnosis in case 1 should be termed diffuse superficial siderosis and in case 2 should be termed lobar cortical siderosis.

Diagnosis and Management of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a common neurologic condition that contributes to considerable mortality and disability because of its impact on ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk and dementia. While attributes of the disease have been recognized for over two centuries, gaps in knowledge remain related to its prevention and management. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge for CSVD.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

CSVD can be recognized by well-defined radiographic criteria, but the pathogenic mechanism behind the disease is unclear. Hypertension control remains the best-known strategy for stroke prevention in patients with CSVD, and recent guidelines provide a long-term blood pressure target of less than 130/80 mm Hg for patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, including those with stroke related to CSVD. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is the second leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhage and may be increasingly recognized because of newer, more sensitive imaging modalities. Transient focal neurologic episodes is a relatively new term used to describe "amyloid spells." Guidance on distinguishing these events from seizures and transient ischemic attacks has been published.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

CSVD is prevalent and will likely be encountered by all neurologists in clinical practice. It is important for neurologists to be able to recognize CSVD, both radiographically and clinically, and to counsel patients on the prevention of disease progression. Blood pressure control is especially relevant, and strategies are needed to improve blood pressure control for primary and secondary stroke prevention in patients with CSVD.

Stroke Risk and Antithrombotic Treatment During Follow-up of Patients With Ischemic Stroke and Cortical Superficial Siderosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In patients with ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), there are few data regarding the risk of future cerebrovascular events and also about the benefits and safety of antithrombotic drugs for secondary prevention. We investigated the associations of cSS and stroke risk in patients with recent IS or TIA.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the Microbleeds International Collaborative Network (MICON) database. We selected patients with IS or TIA from cohorts who had MRI-assessed cSS, available data on antithrombotic treatments, recurrent cerebrovascular events (intracranial hemorrhage [ICrH], IS, or any stroke [ICrH or IS]), and mortality. We calculated incidence rates (IRs) and performed univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 12,669 patients (mean age 70.4 ± 12.3 years, 57.3% men), cSS was detected in 273 (2.2%) patients. During a mean follow-up of 24 ± 17 months, IS was more frequent than ICrH in both cSS (IR 57.1 vs 14.6 per 1,000 patient-years) and non-cSS (33.7 vs 6.3 per 1,000 patient-years) groups. Compared with the non-cSS group, cSS was associated with any stroke on multivariable analysis {IR 83 vs 42 per 1,000 patient-years, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for cSS 1.62 (95% CI: 1.14-2.28; p = 0.006)}. This association was not significant in subgroups of patients treated with antiplatelet drugs (n = 6,554) or with anticoagulants (n = 4,044). Patients with cSS who were treated with both antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants (n = 1,569) had a higher incidence of ICrH (IR 107.5 vs 4.9 per 1,000 patient-years, adjusted HR 13.26; 95% CI: 2.90-60.63; p = 0.001) and of any stroke (IR 198.8 vs 34.7 per 1,000 patient-years, adjusted HR 5.03; 95% CI: 2.03-12.44; p < 0.001) compared with the non-cSS group.

DISCUSSION

Patients with IS or TIA with cSS are at increased risk of stroke (ICrH or IS) during follow-up; the risk of IS exceeds that of ICrH for patients receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment alone, but the risk of ICrH exceeds that of IS in patients receiving both treatments. The findings suggest that either antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment alone should not be avoided in patients with cSS, but combined antithrombotic therapy might be hazardous. Our findings need to be confirmed by randomized clinical trials.

Implications of quantitative susceptibility mapping at 7 Tesla MRI for microbleeds detection in cerebral small vessel disease

Background

Cerebral microbleeds (MBs) are a hallmark of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and can be found on T2*-weighted sequences on MRI. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a postprocessing method that also enables MBs identification and furthermore allows to differentiate them from calcifications.

Aims

We explored the implications of using QSM at submillimeter resolution for MBs detection in CSVD.

Methods

Both 3 and 7 Tesla (T) MRI were performed in elderly participants without MBs and patients with CSVD. MBs were quantified on T2*-weighted imaging and QSM. Differences in the number of MBs were assessed, and subjects were classified in CSVD subgroups or controls both on 3T T2*-weighted imaging and 7T QSM.

Results

48 participants [mean age (SD) 70.9 (8.8) years, 48% females] were included: 31 were healthy controls, 6 probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), 9 mixed CSVD, and 2 were hypertensive arteriopathy [HA] patients. After accounting for the higher number of MBs detected at 7T QSM (Median = Mdn; Mdn7T−QSM = 2.5; Mdn3T−T2 = 0; z = 4.90; p &lt; 0.001) and false positive MBs (6.1% calcifications), most healthy controls (80.6%) demonstrated at least one MB and more MBs were discovered in the CSVD group.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that QSM at submillimeter resolution improves the detection of MBs in the elderly human brain. A higher prevalence of MBs than so far known in healthy elderly was revealed.

The effects of imaging markers on clinical trajectory in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: a longitudinal study in a memory clinic

BACKGROUND

We investigated the relevance of various imaging markers for the clinical trajectory of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) patients in a memory clinic.

METHODS

A total of 226 patients with probable CAA were included in this study with a mean follow-up period of 3.5 ± 2.7 years. Although all had more than one follow-up visit, 173 underwent follow-up Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) ranging from 2 to 15 time points. Among 226, 122 patients underwent amyloid-β (Aβ) PET imaging. The prevalence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and its imaging predictors was investigated. The effects of CAA imaging markers and Aβ PET positivity on longitudinal cognition based on the MMSE and CDR-SB were evaluated using mixed effects models.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, 10 (4.4%) patients developed ICH: cortical superficial siderosis (cSS; hazard ratio [HR], 6.45) and previous lobar ICH (HR, 4.9), but lobar cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were not predictors of ICH development. The presence of CMIs (p = 0.045) and Aβ positivity (p = 0.002) were associated with worse MMSE trajectory in CAA patients. Regarding CDR-SB trajectory, only Aβ positivity was marginally associated with worse longitudinal change (p = 0.050).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that various imaging markers in CAA patients have different clinical relevance and predictive values for further clinical courses.

CT-Visible Convexity Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Predicts Early Recurrence of Lobar Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose

Convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) may predict an increased recurrence risk in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-related intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) survivors. We aimed to investigate whether cSAH detected on CT was related to early recurrence in patients with ICH related to CAA.

Methods

We analyzed data from consecutive lobar ICH patients diagnosed as probable or possible CAA according to the Boston criteria using the method of cohort study. Demographic and clinical data, ICH recurrence at discharge and within 90 days were collected. The association between cSAH detected on CT and early recurrent ICH was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 197 cases (74 [66–80] years) were included. cSAH was observed on the baseline CT of 91 patients (46.2%). A total of 5.1% (10/197) and 9.5% (17/179) of patients experienced ICH recurrence within 2 weeks and 90 days, respectively. The presence of cSAH was related to recurrence within 2 weeks (OR = 5.705, 95%CI 1.070–30.412, P = 0.041) after adjusting for hypertension, previous symptomatic ICH and anticoagulant use. The presence of cSAH was related to recurrence within 90 days (OR 5.473, 95%CI 1.425–21.028, P = 0.013) after adjusting for hypertension, previous symptomatic ICH and intraventricular hemorrhage. The similar results were obtained in other models using different methods to select adjusting variables.

Conclusion

In patients with lobar ICH related to CAA, 5.1% and 9.5% of them experienced ICH recurrence within 2 weeks and 90 days, respectively. CT-visible cSAH was detected in 46.2% of patients and indicates an increased risk for early recurrent ICH.

Prevalence of Clinical and Neuroimaging Markers in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of clinical and neuroimaging manifestations among patients diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We sought to determine the prevalence of clinical phenotypes and radiological markers in patients with CAA.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including patients with CAA was conducted to primarily assess the prevalence of clinical phenotypes and neuroimaging markers as available in the included studies. Sensitivity analyses were performed based on the (1) retrospective or prospective study design and (2) probable or unspecified CAA status. We pooled the prevalence rates using random-effects models and assessed the heterogeneity using the Cochran Q and I² statistics.

RESULTS

We identified 12 prospective and 34 retrospective studies including 7159 patients with CAA. The pooled prevalence rates were cerebral microbleeds (52% [95% CI, 43%-60%]; I²=93%), cortical superficial siderosis (49% [95% CI, 38%-59%]; I²=95%), dementia or mild cognitive impairment (50% [95% CI, 35%-65%]; I²=97%), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH; 44% [95% CI, 27%-61%]; I²=98%), transient focal neurological episodes (48%; 10 studies [95% CI, 29%-67%]; I²=97%), lacunar infarcts (30% [95% CI, 25%-36%]; I²=78%), high grades of perivascular spaces located in centrum semiovale (56% [95% CI, 44%-67%]; I²=88%) and basal ganglia (21% [95% CI, 2%-51%]; I²=98%), and white matter hyperintensities with moderate or severe Fazekas score (53% [95% CI, 40%-65%]; I²=91%). The only neuroimaging marker that was associated with higher odds of recurrent ICH was cortical superficial siderosis (odds ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.01-2.46]; I²=47%). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated a higher prevalence of ICH (53% versus 16%; P=0.03) and transient focal neurological episodes (57% versus 17%; P=0.03) among retrospective studies compared with prospective studies. No difference was documented between the prevalence rates based on the CAA status.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-half of hospital-based cohort of CAA patients was observed to have cerebral microbleeds, cortical superficial siderosis, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, ICH, or transient focal neurological episodes. Cortical superficial siderosis was the only neuroimaging marker that was associated with higher odds of ICH recurrence. Future population-based studies among well-defined CAA cohorts are warranted to corroborate our findings.

Vessels Sing Their ARIAs: The Role of Vascular Amyloid in the Age of Aducanumab

We review the implications of the recently approved aducanumab amyloid-β immunotherapy for treating Alzheimer disease with comorbid cerebral amyloid angiopathy. In clinical trials, amyloid-β immunotherapy has been associated with a high rate of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, potentially driven by coexisting cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Therefore, immunotherapy's efficacy in patients may be modified by coexisting cerebrovascular pathology. We discuss the contributions of cerebral amyloid angiopathy on the development of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities and propose strategies to identify cerebral amyloid angiopathy in patients considered for immunotherapy.

Early MRI imaging and follow-up study in cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Aim

To study the imaging features of leukoaraiosis (LA) and hemorrhage in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) patients.

Methods

The earliest MRI images of probable CAA patients and non-CAA patients were collected. The characteristics of LA in the two groups were analyzed. Cerebral micro bleeding (CMB), superficial siderosis (SS), and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were recorded in the follow-up study. The space relationship between CMB or SS and ICH was assessed.

Results

We found that 10/21 (47.6%) patients had occipital prominent LA and 14/21 (66.7%) patients had subcortical punctate LA before the ICH, which was higher than that of the ones in the control group (p = 0.015 and 0.038, respectively). The recurrence rate of ICH was 100% (3/3) in patients with diffuse SS and 36.4% (4/11) in patients without. The recurrence rate of ICH was 60% (3/5) in patients with multiple-lobe CMBs and 44.4% (4/9) in those without. The location of the ICH and CMB was inconsistent. ICH occurred in the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere of SS in three patients with diffuse SS.

Conclusion

LA, diffuse SS, and multiple-lobe CMBs are important imaging characteristics of CAA, which may help make early diagnosis and predict the recurrence of ICH.

The Predictive Values of Different Small Vessel Disease Scores on Clinical Outcomes in Mild ICH Patients

Aim: To explore the predictive values of different small vessel disease (SVD) scores on functional recoveries and the clinical cerebrovascular events in mild intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods: In this study, we enrolled conscious and mild ICH patients without surgery and further divided them into the cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-ICH group and hypertension (HTN)-ICH group. The severity of individual SVD markers, including lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), was evaluated. The original SVD score, modified SVD score, refined SVD score, and CAA-SVD score and the total number of SVD markers were further calculated. Functional recoveries were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale. Recurrences of stroke were defined as readmission to the hospital with a definite diagnosis of stroke.

Results: A total of 163 ICH patients (60 CAA-ICH and 103 HTN-ICH) were included in the study. The CAA-SVD score (OR=3.429; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.518–7.748) had the best predictive effect on functional dependence in the CAA-ICH group, among which cSS severities probably played a vital role (OR=4.665; 95% CI=1.388–15.679). The total number of SVD markers [hazard ratio (HR)=3.765; 95% CI=1.467–9.663] can better identify stroke recurrences in CAA-ICH. In HTN-ICH, while the total number of SVD markers (HR=2.136; 95% CI=1.218–3.745) also demonstrated association with recurrent stroke, this effect seems to be related with the influence of lacunes (HR=5.064; 95% CI=1.697–15.116).

Conclusions: The CAA-SVD score and the total number of SVD markers might identify mild CAA-ICH patients with poor prognosis. However, it would be better to focus on lacunes rather than on the overall burden of SVD to predict recurrent strokes in HTN-ICH.

The role of biomarkers and neuroimaging in ischemic/hemorrhagic risk assessment for cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease prevention

Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation is arguably one of the fastest developing areas in preventive medicine. The increasing use of direct oral anticoagulants and nonpharmacologic methods such as left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in these patients has increased clinicians' options for optimal care. Platelet antiaggregants are also commonly used in other ischemic cardiovascular and or cerebrovascular conditions. Long term use of oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation is associated with elevated risks of major bleeds including especially brain hemorrhages, which are known to have extremely poor outcomes. Neuroimaging and other biomarkers have been validated to stratify brain hemorrhage risk among older adults. A thorough understanding of these biomarkers is essential for selection of appropriate anticoagulant or left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. This article will address advances in the stratification of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk among patients with atrial fibrillation and other conditions.

Insights in the pathophysiology of haemorrhagic strokes in a sub-Sahara African country, an epidemiological and MRI study

OBJECTIVE

Intra-cerebral Haemorrhage (ICH) seems more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) than in High-Income Countries (HIC) with poorer clinical outcome. Higher impact of hypertension and/or amyloid angiopathy could account for this disproportion. Here, we sought to (i) retrospectively compare ICH clinical and imaging patterns in Belgium and Guinea and in a subsequent cohort (ii) prospectively compare brain MRI characteristics to seek evidence for a different proportion of amyloid angiopathy patterns.

METHODS

Ninety one consecutive patients admitted for spontaneous ICH at Brussels Erasme-ULB Hospital and at Conakry Ignace Deen-UGANC were retrospectively compared in terms of ICH volume estimated with the ABC/2 method, clinical characteristics and modified ranking (mRS) score at 30 days. mRS was dichotomised as good outcomes (≤3) and poor outcomes (>3). A prospective cohort of 30 consecutive patients with ICH admitted at CHU Conakry Ignace Deen-UGANC was prospectively included to undergo brain MRI. Results of the Guinean MRI were compared to 30 patients randomly selected from Brussels' initial cohort. Paired Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney u-test were used for group comparisons.

RESULTS

Age of ICH onset was higher in Belgium (68 ± 17 years vs. 56 ± 14 years, P < 0.01) while ICH volume and 30-day mortality rate were higher in Guinea (20 ml vs. 11 ml, P < 0.01 and mortality 33% vs. 10 %, P < 0.01). ICH burden in survivors in Conakry and Brussels showed respectively good outcomes in 56.7% and 60.4% (P = 0.09) and poor outcomes in 10.3% vs. 29.6% (P < 0.001). MRI analysis of the prospective cohort failed to disclose significant differences regarding brain MRI characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-cerebral Haemorrhage affected patients 15 years younger in Guinea with larger haematoma volumes and higher mortality than in Belgium. MRI findings did not show more prevalent amyloid angiopathy pathology suggesting that better primary prevention of hypertension could positively impact ICH epidemiology in Guinea.

Clinical usefulness of Edinburgh CT criteria in patients with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage

Background

Identifying the cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is relevant to optimize its management. We aimed to assess the applicability and utility of the Edinburgh CT criteria for cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in an unselected cohort of hospitalized patients.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively applied the Edinburgh criteria to the first available brain CTs of patients hospitalized for a first-ever lobar ICH in the district of L'Aquila from 2011 to 2017. ICH characteristics and outcomes were compared according to the presence of the Edinburgh CT criteria, including associated subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and finger-like projections (FLPs). The outcome of ICH in-hospital mortality was assessed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. We adopted the Edinburgh criteria, age, NIHSS and Glasgow Coma Scale scores, systolic blood pressure, antiplatelet treatment, ICH volume, and intraventricular extension on admission as covariates.

Results

Of 178 patients with lobar ICH, 52 (29.2%) had aSAH+FLPs, 60 (33.7%) aSAH only, 1 (0.6%) FLPs, and 65 (36.5%) none. Patients with aSAH+FLPs were older (79.0 ± 9.2 years) than those with only one criterion or none (74.0 ± 15.3 and 72.2 ± 13.8 years, respectively; P = 0.020). Patients with aSAH+FLPs also had more severe ICH at onset, higher in-hospital case-fatality (log rank test P = 0.003) and higher mRS scores at discharge (P < 0.001) as compared to those fulfilling one or none of the Edinburgh criteria. Low Glasgow Coma Scale score was the only factor independently associated to in-hospital case-fatality (odds ratio per point increase 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.91; P = 0.021).

Discussion

Our data suggest the applicability of the Edinburgh CT criteria in a hospital setting. The presence of those criteria reflects ICH clinical severity.

Conclusions

Applying the Edinburgh CT criteria might help refining the diagnosis and improving the management of patients with lobar ICH.

Predictors for Late Post-Intracerebral Hemorrhage Dementia in Patients with Probable Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) accounts for the majority of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH); however, the risk factors for dementia conversion after ICH occurrence in CAA patients are unknown, especially in the long-term period after ICH. Therefore, we aimed to unravel the predictors for late post-ICH dementia (6 months after ICH event) in probable CAA patients.

METHODS

From a large consecutive MRI prospective cohort of spontaneous ICH (2006-2017), we identified probable CAA patients (modified Boston criteria) without dementia 6 months post-ICH. Cognitive outcome during follow-up was determined based on the information from standardized clinical visit notes. We used Cox regression analysis to investigate the association between baseline demographic characteristics, past medical history, MRI biomarkers, and late post-ICH dementia conversion (dementia occurred after 6 months).

RESULTS

Among 97 non-demented lobar ICH patients with probable CAA, 25 patients (25.8%) developed dementia during a median follow-up time of 2.5 years (IQR 1.5-3.8 years). Pre-existing mild cognitive impairment, increased white matter hyperintensities (WMH) burden, the presence of disseminated cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), and higher total small vessel disease score for CAA were all independent predictors for late dementia conversion.

CONCLUSION

In probable CAA patients presenting with lobar ICH, high WMH burden and presence of disseminated cSS are useful neuroimaging biomarkers for dementia risk stratification. These findings have implications for clinical practice and future trial design.

CT-Visible Convexity Subarachnoid Hemorrhage is Associated With Cortical Superficial Siderosis and Predicts Recurrent ICH

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether acute convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) detected on CT in lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is associated with recurrent ICH.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a prospective cohort of consecutive acute lobar ICH survivors fulfilling the Boston criteria for possible or probable CAA who had both brain CT and MRI at index ICH. Presence of cSAH was assessed on CT blinded to MRI data. Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), cerebral microbleeds, and white matter hyperintensities were evaluated on MRI. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between cSAH and the risk of recurrent symptomatic ICH during follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 244 ICH survivors (76.4 ± 8.7 years; 54.5% female) were included. cSAH was observed on baseline CT in 99 patients (40.5%). Presence of cSAH was independently associated with cSS, hematoma volume, and preexisting dementia. During a median follow-up of 2.66 years, 49 patients (20.0%) had recurrent symptomatic ICH. Presence of cSAH was associated with recurrent ICH (hazard ratio 2.64; 95% confidence interval 1.46-4.79; p = 0.001), after adjusting for age, antiplatelet use, warfarin use, and history of previous ICH.

CONCLUSION

cSAH was detected on CT in 40.5% of patients with acute lobar ICH related to CAA and heralds an increased risk of recurrent ICH. This CT marker may be widely used to stratify the ICH risk in patients with CAA.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class II evidence that cSAH accurately predicts recurrent stroke in patients with CAA.

Association Between Immunosuppressive Treatment and Outcomes of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-Related Inflammation

IMPORTANCE

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri), a distinct subtype of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, is characterized by an autoimmune reaction to cerebrovascular β-amyloid deposits. Outcomes and response to immunosuppressive therapy for CAA-ri are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical, neuroimaging, laboratory, pathologic, or treatment-related associations with outcomes after an episode of CAA-ri.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective cohort study of prospectively identified individuals who presented from July 3, 1998, to November 27, 2017, with a median follow-up of 2.7 years (interquartile range, 1.0-5.5 years). The study included 48 consecutive patients with CAA-ri meeting diagnostic criteria who had at least 1 disease episode and subsequent outcome data. No patients refused or were excluded.

EXPOSURES

Prespecified candidate variables were immunosuppressive therapies, cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, magnetic resonance imaging findings of recent infarcts or contrast enhancement, and histopathologic evidence of vessel wall inflammation.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Clinical improvement and worsening were defined by persistent changes in signs or symptoms, radiographic improvement by decreased subcortical foci of T2 hyperintensity or T1 enhancement, and radiographic worsening by increased subcortical T2 hyperintensity, T1 enhancement, or infarcts. Disease recurrence was defined as new-onset clinical symptoms associated with new imaging findings.

RESULTS

The 48 individuals in the study included 29 women and had a mean (SD) age of 68.9 (9.9) years. Results of presenting magnetic resonance imaging revealed that 10 of 29 patients with CAA-ri (34%) had T1 contrast enhancement, 30 of 32 (94%) had subcortical T2 hyperintensity (22 of 30 [73%] asymmetric), 7 of 32 (22%) had acute or subacute punctate infarcts, and 27 of 31 (87%) had microbleeds. Immunosuppressive treatments after first episodes included corticosteroids (33 [69%]), cyclophosphamide (6 [13%]), and mycophenolate (2 [4%]); 14 patients (29%) received no treatment. Clinical improvement and radiographic improvement were each more likely in individuals treated with an immunosuppressive agent than with no treatment (clinical improvement: 32 of 34 [94%] vs 7 of 14 [50%]; odds ratio, 16.0; 95% CI, 2.72-94.1; radiographic improvement: 24 of 28 [86%] vs 4 of 14 [29%]; odds ratio, 15.0; 95% CI, 3.12-72.1). Recurrence was less likely if CAA-ri was treated with any immunosuppressant agent than not (9 of 34 [26%] vs 10 of 14 [71%]; hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07-0.48). When controlling for treatment, no variables were associated with outcomes aside from an association between APOE ɛ4 and radiographic improvement (odds ratio, 4.49; 95% CI, 1.11-18.2).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These results from a relatively large series of patients with CAA-ri support the effectiveness of immunosuppressive treatment and suggest that early treatment may both improve the initial disease course and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. These results raise the possibility that early blunting of CAA-ri and the autoimmune response may have long-term benefits for the subsequent disease course.

Microangiopathie cérébrale: du diagnostic à la prise en charge small vessel disease of the brain: Diagnosis and management

Small vessel disease of the brain is commonly identified among ageing people. It causes almost 25% of strokes and is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia as well as gait difficulties. Its diagnosis is usually made on MRI in the presence of deep white matter and basal ganglia hyperintensities as well as deep lacunar infarcts (lacunes), microbleeds and enlarged perivascular spaces. MRI is also of importance to identify the main differential diagnoses including inflammatory disorders, cerebral amyloid angiopathy and other genetic causes of microangiopathy. Small vessel disease is associated with the main vascular risk factors including notably age and hypertension but whether controlling these vascular risk factors is beneficial is still not clear. Here, we provide a comprehensive review underlining the main diagnostic features of cerebral microangiopathy and summarise the main therapeutic approaches (notably blood pressure normalisation and physical activity) used to control its development and prevent strokes as well as the development of cognitive involvement and gait impairment.

Cortical superficial siderosis progression in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: Prospective MRI study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence, predictors, and clinical relevance of cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) progression in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with symptomatic CAA meeting Boston criteria in a prospective cohort underwent baseline and follow-up MRI within 1 year. cSS progression was evaluated on an ordinal scale and categorized into mild (score 1-2 = cSS extension within an already present cSS focus or appearance of 1 new cSS focus) and severe progression (score 3-4 = appearance of ≥2 new cSS foci). Binominal and ordinal multivariable logistic regression were used to determine cSS progression predictors. We investigated future lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk in survival analysis models.

RESULTS

We included 79 patients with CAA (mean age, 69.2 years), 56 (71%) with lobar ICH at baseline. cSS progression was detected in 23 (29%) patients: 15 (19%) patients had mild and 8 (10%) severe progression. In binominal multivariable logistic regression, ICH presence (odds ratio [OR], 7.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-53.52; p = 0.016) and baseline cSS (OR, 10.41; 95% CI, 2.84-52.83; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of cSS progression. In similar models, presence of disseminated (but not focal) cSS at baseline (OR, 5.58; 95% CI, 1.81-19.41; p = 0.004) was an independent predictor of cSS progression. Results were similar in ordinal multivariable logistic regression models. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, severe cSS progression was independently associated with increased future ICH risk (HR, 5.90; 95% CI, 1.30-26.68; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

cSS evolution on MRI is common in patients with symptomatic CAA and might be a potential biomarker for assessing disease severity and future ICH risk. External validation of these findings is warranted.

Convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage in lobar intracerebral hemorrhage: A prognostic marker

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether acute convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) associated with acute lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) increases the risk of ICH recurrence in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).

METHODS

We analyzed data from a prospective cohort of consecutive survivors of acute spontaneous lobar ICH fulfilling the Boston criteria for possible or probable CAA (CAA-ICH). We analyzed baseline clinical and MRI data, including cSAH (categorized as adjacent or remote from ICH on a standardized scale), cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), and other CAA MRI markers. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess the association between cSAH and recurrent symptomatic ICH during follow-up.

RESULTS

We included 261 CAA-ICH survivors (mean age 76.2 ± 8.7 years). Of them, 166 (63.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 57.7%-69.5%) had cSAH on baseline MRI. During a median follow-up of 28.3 (interquartile range 7.2-57.0) months, 54 (20.7%) patients experienced a recurrent lobar ICH. In Cox regression, any cSAH, adjacent cSAH, and remote cSAH were independent predictors of recurrent ICH after adjustment for other confounders, including cSS. Incidence rate of recurrent ICH in patients with cSAH was 9.9 per 100 person-years (95% CI 7.3-13.0) compared with 1.2 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0.3-3.2) in those without cSAH (adjusted hazard ratio 7.5, 95% CI 2.6-21.1).

CONCLUSION

In patients with CAA-related acute ICH, cSAH (adjacent or remote from lobar ICH) is commonly observed and heralds an increased risk of recurrent ICH. cSAH may help stratify bleeding risk and should be assessed along with cSS for prognosis and clinical management.

Cortical superficial siderosis and bleeding risk in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) presence and extent with future bleeding risk in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).

METHODS

This was a meta-analysis of clinical cohorts of symptomatic patients with CAA who had T2*-MRI at baseline and clinical follow-up for future intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We pooled data in a 2-stage meta-analysis using random effects models. Covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (adjHR) from multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used.

RESULTS

We included data from 6 eligible studies (n = 1,239). cSS pooled prevalence was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI] 26%-41%; I ² 87.94%; p < 0.001): focal cSS prevalence was 14% (95% CI 12%-16%; I ² 6.75%; p = 0.37), and disseminated cSS prevalence was 20% (95% CI 13%-26%; I ² 90.39%; p < 0.001). During a mean follow-up of 3.1 years (range 1-4 years), 162/1,239 patients experienced a symptomatic ICH-pooled incidence rate 6.9% per year (95% CI 3.9%-9.8% per year; I ² 83%; p < 0.001). ICH incidence rates per year according to cSS status were 3.9% (95% CI 1.7%-6.1%; I ² 70%; p = 0.018) for patients without cSS, 11.1% (95% CI 7%-15.2%; I ² 56.8%; p = 0.074) for cSS presence, 9.1% (95% CI 5.5%-12.8%; I ² 0%; p = 0.994) for focal cSS, and 12.5% (95% CI 5.3%-19.7%; I ² 73.2%; p = 0.011) for disseminated cSS. In adjusted pooled analysis, any cSS presence was independently associated with increased future ICH risk (adjHR 2.14; 95% CI 1.19-3.85; p < 0.0001). Focal cSS was linked with ICH risk (adjHR 2.11; 95% CI 1.31-2.41; p = 0.002), while disseminated cSS conferred the strongest bleeding risk (adjHR 4.28; 95% CI 2.91-6.30; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with CAA, cSS presence and extent are the most important MRI prognostic risk factors for future ICH, likely useful in treatment planning.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class III evidence that in symptomatic CAA survivors with baseline T2*-MRI, cSS (particularly if disseminated, i.e., affecting >3 sulci) increases the risk of future ICH.

Cerebral Cortical Microinfarcts on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Their Association With Cognition in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

Background and Purpose- We aimed to explore the association between presence of cerebral cortical microinfarcts (CMIs) on magnetic resonance imaging and other small-vessel disease neuroimaging biomarkers in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and to analyze the role of CMIs on individual cognitive domains and dementia conversion. Methods- Participants were recruited from an ongoing longitudinal research cohort of eligible CAA patients between March 2006 and October 2016. A total of 102 cases were included in the analysis that assessed the relationship of cortical CMIs to CAA neuroimaging markers. Ninety-five subjects had neuropsychological tests conducted within 1 month of magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Seventy-five nondemented CAA patients had cognitive evaluation data available during follow-up. Results- Among 102 patients enrolled, 40 patients had CMIs (39%) on magnetic resonance imaging. CMIs were uniformly distributed throughout the cortex without regional predilection ( P=0.971). The presence of CMIs was associated with lower total brain volume (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.98; P=0.025) and presence of cortical superficial siderosis (odds ratio, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.10-6.39; P=0.029). In 95 subjects with neuropsychological tests, presence of CMIs was associated with impaired executive function (β, -0.23; 95% CI, -0.44 to -0.02; P=0.036) and processing speed (β, -0.24; 95% CI, -0.45 to -0.04; P=0.020). Patients with CMIs had a higher cumulative dementia incidence compared with patients without CMIs ( P=0.043), whereas only baseline total brain volume (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.92; P=0.006) independently predicted dementia conversion. Conclusions- Magnetic resonance imaging-detected CMIs in CAA correlated with greater overall disease burden. The presence of CMIs was associated with worse cognitive performance, whereas only total brain atrophy independently predicted dementia conversion.

APOE and cortical superficial siderosis in CAA: Meta-analysis and potential mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

To assess potential mechanisms of cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), a central MRI biomarker in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), we performed a collaborative meta-analysis of APOE associations with cSS presence and severity.

METHODS

We pooled data from published studies reporting APOE genotype and MRI assessment of cSS in 3 distinct settings: (1) stroke clinic patients with symptomatic CAA (i.e., lobar intracerebral hemorrhage, transient focal neurologic episodes) according to the Boston criteria; (2) memory clinic patients; and (3) population-based studies. We compared cSS presence and severity (focal or disseminated vs no cSS) in participants with ε2+ or ε4+ genotype vs the ε3/ε3 genotype, by calculating study-specific and random effects pooled, unadjusted odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Thirteen studies fulfilled inclusion criteria: 7 memory clinic cohorts (n = 2,587), 5 symptomatic CAA cohorts (n = 402), and 1 population-based study (n = 1,379). There was no significant overall association between APOE ε4+ and cSS presence or severity. When stratified by clinical setting, APOE ε4+ was associated with cSS in memory clinic (OR 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-3.99) but not symptomatic CAA patients. The pooled OR showed significantly increased odds of having cSS for APOE ε2+ genotypes (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.48-3.95) in both patient populations. This association was stronger for disseminated cSS in symptomatic CAA cohorts. In detailed subgroup analyses, APOE ε2/ε2 and APOE ε2/ε4 genotypes were most consistently and strongly associated with cSS presence and severity.

CONCLUSION

CAA-related vasculopathic changes and fragility associated with APOE ε2+ allele might have a biologically meaningful role in the pathophysiology and severity of cSS.

Fluid-Blood Level and Hematoma Expansion in a Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-Associated Intracerebral Hematoma

Patient: Male, 77

Final Diagnosis: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Symptoms: Aphasia • hemiparesis

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Hematoma evacuation

Specialty: Neurosurgery

Total Burden of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in Recurrent ICH versus First-ever ICH

The relationship between recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and total burden of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is not completely investigated. We aimed to study whether recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) had higher CSVD score than first-ever ICH. Lacunes, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) and CSVD score were rated on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in primary ICH patients. Recurrent ICHs were confirmed by reviewing the medical records and MRI scans. Mixed hematomas were defined as follows: deep + lobar, deep + cerebellar, or deep + lobar + cerebellar. Of the 184 patients with primary ICH enrolled (mean age, 61.0 years; 75.5% men), recurrent ICH was present in 45 (24.5%) patients; 26.1% (48/184) had ≥2 hematomas, 93.8% (45/48) of which exhibited recurrent ICH. Mixed hematomas were identified in 8.7% (16/184) of patients and bilateral hematomas in 17.9% (33/184). All mixed hematomas and bilateral hematomas were from cases of recurrent ICH. Patients with mixed etiology-ICH were more likely to have recurrent ICH than patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) or hypertensive angiopathy (HA)-related ICH (36.8% vs17.8%, p=0.008). Multivariate ordinal regression analysis showed that the presence of recurrent ICH (p=0.001), ≥2 hematomas (p=0.002), mixed hematomas (p<0.00001), and bilateral hematomas (p=0.002) were separately significantly associated with a high CSVD score. Recurrent ICH occurs mostly among patients with mixed etiology-ICH and is associated with a higher CSVD burden than first-ever ICH, which needs to be verified by future larger studies.

Resumption of oral anticoagulation after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Background

Given an ageing population the incidence of both patients suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and those requiring oral anticoagulation will increase. Up to now there are no results from randomized trials available whether or not, and when, ICH survivors should resume OAC. This review summarizes the most important observational studies, and initiated ongoing trials, to help guiding physicians in daily routine decision making.

Findings

Several large observational studies and meta-analyses verified that OAC resumption was associated with a significant reduction of thromboembolic complications and mortality without leading to increased rates of recurrent ICH. OAC resumption seemed further associated with improved functional recovery and favorable long-term outcome. Given the general bleeding risk reduction in patients using Non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) compared to Vitamin-K-antagonist (VKA), NOAC use should also be preferred after ICH, although specific comparative studies are pending. Patients with lobar ICH need special attention as these patients showed increased ICH recurrence rates, why decision making should include extended diagnostic work-up evaluating cerebral microbleed burden, cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage and superficial siderosis. Further, patients with mechanical heart valves need specific consideration as restarting VKA may be unsafe until two weeks, whereas optimal balancing of hemorrhagic with thromboembolic complications may allow earlier re-initiation one week after ICH. In patients with atrial fibrillation, resumption generally should take place between 4 and 8 weeks after ICH depending on a patient’s individual risk profile. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) might represent an alternative strategy in high-risk patients. Ongoing clinical trials will clarify whether OAC resumption versus LAAO versus no antithrombotic therapy may represent the best possible secondary stroke prevention in ICH survivors with atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

According to observational data OAC resumption after ICH seems beneficial and safe. Ongoing clinical trials will create evidence regarding treatment effects of pharmaceutical resumption and interventional alternatives. Yet, individual decision making weighing the patient’s individual thromboembolic versus hemorrhagic risks remains essential.

Cortical superficial siderosis and recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage risk in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: Large prospective cohort and preliminary meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate cortical superficial siderosis as an MRI predictor of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) recurrence risk in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), in a large prospective MRI cohort and a systematic review.

METHODS

We analyzed a single-center MRI prospective cohort of consecutive CAA-related ICH survivors. Using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses, we investigated cortical superficial siderosis and ICH risk, adjusting for known confounders. We pooled data with eligible published cohorts in a two-stage meta-analysis using random effects models. Covariate-adjusted hazard rations (adj-HR) from pre-specified multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used.

RESULTS

The cohort included 240 CAA-ICH survivors (cortical superficial siderosis prevalence: 36%). During a median follow-up of 2.6 years (IQR: 0.9-5.1 years) recurrent ICH occurred in 58 patients (24%). In prespecified multivariable Cox regression models, cortical superficial siderosis presence and disseminated cortical superficial siderosis were independent predictors of increased symptomatic ICH risk at follow-up (HR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.31-3.87, p = 0.003 and HR: 3.59; 95% CI: 1.96-6.57, p < 0.0001, respectively). Three cohorts including 443 CAA-ICH patients in total were eligible for meta-analysis. During a mean follow-up of 2.5 years (range: 2-3 years) 92 patients experienced recurrent ICH (pooled risk ratio: 6.9% per year, 95% CI: 4.2%-9.7% per year). In adjusted pooled analysis, any cortical superficial siderosis and disseminated cortical superficial siderosis were the only independent predictors associated with increased lobar ICH recurrence risk (adj-HR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5-3.7; p < 0.0001, and adj-HR: 4.4; 95% CI: 2-9.9; p < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In CAA-ICH patients, cortical superficial siderosis presence and extent are the most important MRI prognostic risk factors for lobar ICH recurrence. These results can help guide clinical decision making in patients with CAA.

Prognostic relevance of cortical superficial siderosis in cerebral amyloid angiopathy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic relevance of cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).

METHODS

A total of 302 patients fulfilling clinical and imaging criteria for probable or possible CAA were enrolled into a prospective, multicenter cohort study and followed for 12 months. cSS was assessed on T2*/susceptibility-weighted imaging MRI. The predefined primary composite endpoint was incident stroke or death in patients with cSS compared to those without. Secondary analyses included cerebrovascular events and functional outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Multiple regression analysis was performed to adjust for possible confounders.

RESULTS

cSS prevalence was 40%. The primary endpoint occurred more frequently in patients with cSS (22%, 27/121) compared to those without (8%, 15/181, p = 0.001). Rates of CAA-related incident intracranial hemorrhage were 17% (cSS) and 4% (no cSS, p = 0.0003). The proportion of patients being functionally independent (mRS 0-2) 12 months from baseline were 59% (cSS) and 82% (no cSS, p = 0.00002). Presence of cSS was associated with the primary endpoint (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-1.3, p = 0.0005), incident intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3, p = 0.0003), and less favorable outcome as assessed by the mRS (common OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.1, p = 0.009). Similar results were obtained in analyses restricted to patients with probable CAA and to patients with disseminated cSS (all p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cSS and suspected CAA are at high risk for CAA-related incident intracranial hemorrhage and poor functional outcome. Both the presence and extent of cSS have prognostic relevance and may influence clinical decision-making.

Intracerebral hemorrhage outcome: A comprehensive update

Non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with a significant global burden of disease, and despite being proportionally less frequent than ischemic stroke, in 2010 it was associated with greater worldwide disability-adjusted life years lost. The focus of outcome assessment after ICH has been mortality in most studies, because of the high early case fatality which reaches 40% in some population-based studies. The most robust and consistent predictors of early mortality include age, severity of neurological impairment, hemorrhage volume and antithrombotic therapy at the time of the event. Long-term outcome assessment is multifaceted and includes not only mortality and functional outcome, but also patient self-assessment of the health-related quality of life, occurrence of cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, epileptic seizures, recurrent ICH and subsequent thromboembolic events. Several scores which predict mortality and functional outcome after ICH have been validated and are useful in the daily clinical practice, however they must be used in combination with the clinical judgment for individualized patients. Management of patients with ICH both in the acute and chronic phases, requires health care professionals to have a comprehensive and updated perspective on outcome, which informs decisions that are needed to be taken together with the patient and next of kin.

Increased cerebral microbleeds and cortical superficial siderosis in pediatric patients with Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Patients with Down syndrome carry a third copy of the amyloid precursor protein gene, which is localized on chromosome 21. Consequently, these patients are prone to develop early-onset Alzheimer disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Post-mortem studies suggest increased amyloid deposition to be already detectable in children with Down syndrome. The aim of our study was to evaluate if amyloid-related changes in pediatric Down syndrome patients can be detected in vivo using MRI biomarkers of cerebral microbleeds and cortical superficial siderosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 12 patients with Down syndrome (mean age = 5.0 years) and 12 age-matched control subjects (mean age = 4.8 years). Frequency and location of microbleeds and siderosis were assessed on blood-sensitive MRI sequences in a consensus reading by two radiologists applying a modified Microbleed Anatomical Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Down syndrome patients showed a significantly higher mean microbleeds count and likelihood of siderosis than age-matched controls. Across groups, the highest microbleeds count was found in lobar regions (gray and white matter of frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, and the insula), while fewer microbleeds were located in subcortical and infratentorial regions. The number of microbleeds increased over time in all three Down syndrome patients with a follow-up exam.

CONCLUSION

In vivo MRI biomarkers can support the diagnosis of early-onset cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which might already be present in pediatric Down syndrome patients. This might contribute to clinical decision-making and potentially to the development of therapeutic and prophylactic approaches, as cerebral amyloid angiopathy increases the risk for intracranial hemorrhage and may be associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease.

The growing clinical spectrum of cerebral amyloid angiopathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is diagnosed primarily as a cause of lobar intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) in elderly patients. With improving MRI techniques, however, the role of CAA in causing other symptoms has become clear. Recognizing the full clinical spectrum of CAA is important for diagnosis and treatment. In this review we summarize recent insights in clinical CAA features, MRI biomarkers, and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

The rate of ICH recurrence in CAA is among the highest of all stroke subtypes. Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) and cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) are important imaging predictors for recurrent ICH. CAA also causes cognitive problems in multiple domains. In patients with nondemented CAA, the risk of developing dementia is high especially after ICH. CAA pathology probably starts years before the first clinical manifestations. The first signs in hereditary CAA are white matter lesions, cortical microinfarcts, and impaired occipital cerebral vasoreactivity. Visible centrum semiovale perivascular spaces, lobar located lacunes, and cortical atrophy are new nonhemorrhagic MRI markers.

SUMMARY

CAA should be in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with lobar ICH but also in those with cognitive decline and episodic transient neurological symptoms. Physicians should be aware of the cognitive effects of CAA. In patients with a previous ICH, cSS, or cSAH, anticoagulation should be considered risky. The increasing number of MRI markers may help to discriminate CAA from other small vessel diseases and dementia subtypes.

Cortical superficial siderosis: A prospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), its clinical and neuroimaging associated markers, and its influence on the risk of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in a prospective observational ICH cohort.

METHODS

We investigated clinical and radiologic markers associated with cSS using multivariable analysis. In survival analyses, we used Cox models to identify predictors of recurrent ICH after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 258 patients included in the study, 49 (19%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 14%-24%) had cSS at baseline. Clinical factors independently associated with the presence of cSS were increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03 per 1-year increase, 95% CI 1.001-1.06, p = 0.044), preexisting dementia (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.05-6.51, p = 0.039), and history of ICH (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.24-12.95, p = 0.02). Among radiologic biomarkers, factors independently associated with the presence of cSS were ICH lobar location (OR 24.841, 95% CI 3.2-14.47, p < 0.001), severe white matter hyperintensities score (OR 5.51, 95% CI 1.17-5.78, p = 0.019), and absence of lacune (OR 4.46, 95% CI 1.06-5.22, p = 0.035). During a median follow-up of 6.4 (interquartile range 2.9-8.4) years, recurrent ICH occurred in 19 patients. Only disseminated cSS (hazard ratio 4.69, 95% CI 1.49-14.71, p = 0.008), not the presence or absence of cSS or focal cSS on baseline MRI, was associated with recurrent symptomatic ICH.

CONCLUSION

In a prospective observational cohort of spontaneous ICH, clinical and radiologic markers associated with cSS suggest the implication of underlying cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Disseminated cSS may become a key prognostic neuroimaging marker of recurrent ICH that could be monitored in future clinical trials dedicated to patients with ICH.

Acute diffusion-weighted imaging lesions in cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Small acute diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions can accompany intracerebral hemorrhage due to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We therefore examined the occurrence of such lesions in the context of CAA-related convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) both in a cross-sectional and longitudinal manner. DWI lesions were noted in 14/29 (48%) patients at their index cSAH and 12/21 patients (57%) showed acute small DWI lesions at follow-up MRI. Forty-four of 71 (62%) DWI lesions were spatially related to areas of cortical superficial siderosis. Clarification of the implications of our finding needs the investigation of larger patient groups.

Cortical superficial siderosis multifocality in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: A prospective study

OBJECTIVE

In order to explore the mechanisms of cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) multifocality and its clinical implications for recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), we used a new rating method that we developed specifically to evaluate cSS extent at spatially separated foci.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with CAA-related ICH according to Boston criteria from a single-center prospective cohort were analyzed. The new score that assesses cSS multifocality (total range 0-4) showed excellent interrater reliability (k = 0.87). The association of cSS with markers of CAA and acute ICH was investigated. Patients were followed prospectively for recurrent symptomatic ICH.

RESULTS

The cohort included 313 patients with CAA. Multifocal cSS prevalence was 21.1%. APOE ε2 allele prevalence was higher in patients with multifocal cSS. In probable/definite CAA, cSS multifocality was independently associated with neuroimaging markers of CAA severity, including lobar microbleeds, but not with acute ICH features, which conversely, were determinants of cSS in possible CAA. During a median follow-up of 2.6 years (interquartile range 0.9-5.1 years), the annual ICH recurrence rates per cSS scores (0-4) were 5%, 6.5%, 13.5%, 16.2%, and 26.9%, respectively. cSS multifocality (presence and spread) was the only independent predictor of increased symptomatic ICH risk (hazard ratio 3.19; 95% confidence interval 1.77-5.75; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The multifocality of cSS correlates with disease severity in probable CAA; therefore cSS is likely to be caused by discrete hemorrhagic foci. The new cSS scoring system might be valuable for clinicians in determining annual risk of ICH recurrence.

The increasing impact of cerebral amyloid angiopathy: essential new insights for clinical practice

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) has never been more relevant. The last 5 years have seen a rapid increase in publications and research in the field, with the development of new biomarkers for the disease, thanks to advances in MRI, amyloid positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analysis. The inadvertent development of CAA-like pathology in patients treated with amyloid-beta immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease has highlighted the importance of establishing how and why CAA develops; without this information, the use of these treatments may be unnecessarily restricted. Our understanding of the clinical and radiological spectrum of CAA has continued to evolve, and there are new insights into the independent impact that CAA has on cognition in the context of ageing and intracerebral haemorrhage, as well as in Alzheimer's and other dementias. While the association between CAA and lobar intracerebral haemorrhage (with its high recurrence risk) is now well recognised, a number of management dilemmas remain, particularly when considering the use of antithrombotics, anticoagulants and statins. The Boston criteria for CAA, in use in one form or another for the last 20 years, are now being reviewed to reflect these new wide-ranging clinical and radiological findings. This review aims to provide a 5-year update on these recent advances, as well as a look towards future directions for CAA research and clinical practice.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of cortical superficial siderosis in patients with acute stroke

Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) is a pathologic and radiologic diagnosis of hemosiderin deposition in subpial brain layers. However, cSS has not been fully studied in patients with acute stroke. Here, we investigated the prevalence of cSS in patients with acute stroke and analyzed the relationship between cSS and different clinical and neuroimaging characteristics. From September 2014 through June 2016, consecutive patients with acute stroke who were admitted to our department were retrospectively investigated. We analyzed the prevalence of cSS and the associations between cSS and risk factors, the topographic distribution of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and the severity of white matter lesions (WMLs). In total, 739 patients (589 patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic stroke [IS/TIA] and 150 with intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH]; mean age, 71.4 years) were enrolled. We identified cSS in six (1.0%) patients with IS/TIA and seven (4.7%) patients with ICH. The presence of cSS was associated with ICH (P < 0.0001), WMLs (P = 0.0105), and lobar and non-lobar CMBs (both P < 0.0001); no associations between cSS and age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, IS subtype classification, or antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy were found. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, high numbers of lobar CMBs (≥ 2; odds ratio, 11.03; 95% confidence interval, 2.03-205.40; P = 0.0029) were independently associated with cSS. Furthermore, cSS was often located near lobar CMBs. Our results suggest that cSS is prevalent in ICH and is independently associated with lobar CMBs; however, no associations between cSS and other risk factors or comorbidities were observed.

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: Diagnosis, Clinical Implications, and Management Strategies in Atrial Fibrillation

With an aging population, clinicians are more frequently encountering patients with atrial fibrillation who are also at risk of intracerebral hemorrhage due to cerebral amyloid angiopathy, the result of β-amyloid deposition in cerebral vessels. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is common among elderly patients, and is associated with an increased risk of intracerebral bleeding, especially with the use of anticoagulation. Despite this association, this entity is absent in current risk-benefit analysis models, which may result in underestimation of the chance of bleeding in the subset of patients with this disease. Determining the presence and burden of cerebral amyloid angiopathy is particularly important when planning to start or restart anticoagulation after an intracerebral hemorrhage. Given the lack of randomized trial data to guide management strategies, we discuss a heart-brain team approach that includes clinician-patient shared decision making for the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to diminish stroke risk.

Impact of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage on cognitive functioning: An update

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 15% of all strokes and approximately 50% of stroke-related mortality and disability worldwide. Patients who have experienced ICH are at high risk of negative outcome, including stroke and cognitive disorders. Vascular cognitive impairment are frequently seen after brain hemorrhage, yet little is known about them, as most studies have focused on neuropsychological outcome in ischemic stroke survivors, using well-documented acute and chronic cognitive scores. However, recent evidence supports the notion that ICH and dementia are closely related and each increases the risk of the other. The location of the lesion also plays a significant role as regards the neuropsychological profile, while the pathophysiology of ICH can indicate a specific pattern of dysfunction. Several cognitive domains may be affected, such as language, memory, executive function, processing speed and gnosis.

Cortical Superficial Siderosis in Different Types of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Background and Purpose—

Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) has emerged as a clinically relevant imaging feature of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). However, it remains unknown whether cSS is also present in nonamyloid-associated small vessel disease and whether patients with cSS differ in terms of other small vessel disease imaging features.

Methods—

Three hundred sixty-four CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) patients, 372 population-based controls, and 100 CAA patients with cSS (fulfilling the modified Boston criteria for possible/probable CAA) were included. cSS and cerebral microbleeds were visually rated on T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. White matter hyperintensities were segmented on fluid-attenauted inversion recovery images, and their spatial distribution was compared between groups using colocalization analysis. Cerebral microbleeds location was determined in an observer-independent way using an atlas in standard space.

Results—

cSS was absent in CADASIL and present in only 2 population-based controls (0.5%). Cerebral microbleeds were present in 64% of CAA patients with cSS, 34% of patients with CADASIL, and 12% of population-based controls. Among patients with cerebral microbleeds, lobar location was found in 95% of CAA patients with cSS, 48% of CADASIL patients, and 69% of population-based controls. The spatial distribution of white matter hyperintensities was comparable between CAA with cSS and CADASIL as indicated by high colocalization coefficients.

Conclusions—

cSS was absent in CADASIL, whereas other small vessel disease imaging features were similar to CAA patients with cSS. Our findings suggest that cSS in combination with other small vessel disease imaging markers is highly indicative of CAA.