Occurrence of Intracranial Hemorrhage and Associated Risk Factors in Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients With CADASIL: Additive Impact of the NOTCH3 R544C Variant and Hypertension?

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is increasingly recognized in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, especially in Asian patients with the NOTCH3 R544C variant. The associations between ICH, NOTCH3 variants, and hypertension remain unclear.

METHODS

We enrolled patients from 2 independent cohorts with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy in France (recruited since 2003) and Taiwan (recruited since 2019) and performed a cross-sectional retrospective analysis. Clinical history and evaluation were collected using standardized questionnaires and scales, while neuroimaging features were assessed with the CADA-MRIT inventory tool. Patients with and without a history of ICH were compared. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with ICH.

RESULTS

Of 552 patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (440 from France and 112 from Taiwan), 34 (6.2%) had a history of ICH. Patients with ICH were older (62.9±11.4 versus 53.4±12.3 years), had a higher proportion of the NOTCH3 R544C variant (79.4% versus 15.3%), and had hypertension (85.3% versus 24.9%). Analysis of magnetic resonance imaging data showed that they had more cerebral microbleeds, worse cerebral atrophy, and higher number of dilated perivascular spaces in basal ganglia. Hypertension (odds ratio, 7.90 [95% CI, 2.83-22.08]) and NOTCH3 R544C variant (odds ratio, 9.91 [95% CI, 3.84-25.57]) were each independently associated with ICH, while no multiplicative interaction was detected between these 2 factors (Pinteraction=0.81). Having both NOTCH3 R544C variant and hypertension carried an additive effect on the risk of ICH (36.9% if both present, 8.8% if having NOTCH3 R544C variant without hypertension, 5.4% if having hypertension without NOTCH3 R544C variant, and 0.6% if both absent; Ptrend<0.001). Finally, in the mediation analysis, 49.9% of the effects of the NOTCH3 R544C variant on the occurrence of ICH would be explained by the effects of hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the NOTCH3 R544C variant and hypertension appear to be independent risk factors for ICH in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, with a potential additive effect. However, due to the study's cross-sectional design and population-specific factors, causality cannot be established. Prospective studies are thus needed to validate these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms.

Intracerebral hemorrhage in CADASIL

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common hereditary cerebral small vessel disease caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. This review highlights the increasing recognition of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) as a significant manifestation of CADASIL, often predominantly characterized by ischemic strokes and vascular dementia. Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of ICH in CADASIL patients ranges from 0.5% to 33.3%, the variability of which is mainly influenced by ethnicity. In East Asian cohorts, specific NOTCH3 mutations like p.R544C and p.R75P are more prevalent and have been associated with a higher rate of ICH, suggesting a link between these mutations and the hemorrhagic risk. Hypertension, as with other etiologies of ICH, is a key risk factor in CADASIL patients, with 40% to 90% of those who experience ICH also having a history of hypertension. The presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and a high CMB load are strongly associated with an increased risk of ICH. Neuroimaging studies show that ICH in CADASIL patients predominantly occurs in the thalamus and basal ganglia. There is a notable spatial correlation between CMBs and subsequent ICH, suggesting that CMBs may serve as markers of microangiopathy in regions prone to vascular injury. CADASIL patients with ICH experience greater morbidity, higher mortality rates, and increased annual stroke recurrence risk compared with those with ischemic events. In summary, this review emphasizes the need for tailored management strategies that prioritize rigorous blood pressure control and the careful use of antithrombotic agents in CADASIL patients with a high burden of CMBs. By advancing our understanding of ICH in CADASIL, we aim to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life in this high-risk population.

Survival analysis of famotidine administration routes in non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage patients: based on the MIMIC-IV database

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the survival outcomes of non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients with different famotidine administration routes and explored related risk factors.

METHODS

Data from ICH patients between 2008-2019 were extracted from the MIMIC-IV database. Survival differences between patients with intravenous (IV) and non-intravenous (Non-IV) famotidine administration were analyzed using Cox analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

The study included 351 patients, with 109 in the IV group and 84 in the Non-IV group after PSM. Cox analysis revealed that survival was significantly associated with age (HR = 1.031, 95%CI:1.011-1.050, p = 0.002), chloride ions (HR = 1.061, 95%CI:1.027-1.096, p < 0.001), BUN (HR = 1.034, 95%CI:1.007-1.062, p = 0.012), ICP (HR = 1.059, 95%CI:1.027-1.092, p < 0.001), RDW (HR = 1.156, 95%CI:1.030-1.299, p = 0.014), mechanical ventilation (HR = 2.526, 95%CI:1.341-4.760, p = 0.004), antibiotic use (HR = 0.331, 95%CI:0.144-0.759, p = 0.009), and Non-IV route (HR = 0.518, 95%CI:0.283-0.948, p = 0.033). Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significantly higher 30-day survival rate in the Non-IV group (p = 0.011), particularly in patients with normal ICP (HR = 0.518, 95%CI:0.283-0.948, p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Non-IV famotidine administration significantly improves 30-day survival of ICH patients, especially for those with normal ICP, compared to IV administration.

Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of intracerebral haemorrhage in CADASIL: a case series and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common monogenic form of stroke and is characterised by early onset stroke and dementia. Most strokes are lacunar ischaemic strokes, but intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) has also been reported, although there are limited published data on its frequency and characteristics.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively recruited CADASIL register from the British National Referral clinic was performed to identify acute ICH cases and their characteristics. In addition, a systematic review of ICH in CADASIL was performed. MEDLINE (Pubmed), Embase, and Web of Science were searched for articles published from inception until 31/05/2023.

RESULTS

Ten cases of ICH were identified from the National clinic register of 516 symptomatic patients, giving an estimated point prevalence of 1.9%. An additional 119 cases were identified from the systematic review, comprising 129 cases and 142 ICH events in total. Including all identified cases, the mean age at onset of ICH was 56.6 ± 15.7 (SD) years, and 74 (57.4%) were male. ICH was the first manifestation of the disease in 32 patients (38.1%), and ICH recurrence occurred in 16 (12.4%). Most ICHs were subcortical, with the thalamus, 58 (40.8%), and basal ganglia, 34 (23.9%), being the commonest sites. Anticoagulation, but not antiplatelet agents, was associated with an increased risk of ICH (20.0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

ICH is a relatively rare manifestation of CADASIL, occurring in about 2% of symptomatic cases. Most of the haemorrhages occurred in the subcortical regions.

Prevalence of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Pathology and Strictly Lobar Microbleeds in East-Asian Versus Western Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Possible differences in the prevalence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in East-Asian compared to Western populations have received little attention, and results so far have been ambiguous. Our aim is to compare the prevalence of CAA neuropathology and magnetic resonance imaging markers of CAA in East-Asian and Western cohorts reflecting the general population, cognitively normal elderly, patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and patients with (lobar) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed and Embase for original research papers on the prevalence of CAA and imaging markers of CAA published up until February 17th 2022. Records were screened by two independent reviewers. Pooled estimates were determined using random-effects models. We compared studies from Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea (East-Asian cohorts) to studies from Europe or North America (Western cohorts) by meta-regression models.

RESULTS

We identified 12,257 unique records, and we included 143 studies on Western study populations and 53 studies on East-Asian study populations. Prevalence of CAA neuropathology did not differ between East-Asian and Western cohorts in any of the investigated patient domains. The prevalence of strictly lobar microbleeds was lower in East-Asian cohorts of population-based individuals (5.6% vs. 11.4%, P=0.020), cognitively normal elderly (2.6% vs. 11.4%, P=0.001), and patients with ICH (10.2% vs. 24.6%, P<0.0001). However, age was in general lower in the East-Asian cohorts.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CAA neuropathology in the general population, cognitively normal elderly, patients with AD, and patients with (lobar) ICH is similar in East-Asian and Western countries. In East-Asian cohorts reflecting the general population, cognitively normal elderly, and patients with ICH, strictly lobar microbleeds were less prevalent, likely due to their younger age. Consideration of potential presence of CAA is warranted in decisions regarding antithrombotic treatment and potential new anti-amyloid-β immunotherapy as treatment for AD in East-Asian and Western countries alike.

Clinical features and associated factors of coexisting intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with cerebral small vessel disease: a cross-sectional study

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is generally considered to be closely related to cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), leading to a poor prognosis. However, the coexistence of ICH in general CSVD patients and related factors remain underreported. In our cross-sectional study, we screened 414 CSVD patients from a database at the Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (September 2018 to April 2022). Imaging biomarkers of CSVD and coexisting ICH lesion were assessed. Factors associated with coexisting ICH in CSVD were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. ICH was observed in 59 patients (14.3%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that previous history of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR 5.189, 95%CI 2.572-10.467, P < 0.001), high-grade perivascular space in the basal ganglia (n > 10) (OR 2.051, 95%CI 1.044-4.027, P = 0.037) and low adjusted calcium-phosphorus product (OR 0.728 per 1 [mmol/L]2 increase, 95%CI 0.531-0.998, P = 0.049) were associated with coexisting ICH in CSVD patients. The considerable proportion of coexisting ICH and revelation of associated factors in general CSVD patients alert physicians of the potential risk of the reoccurrence of ICH, and might have a significant impact on therapeutic strategies.

Microbleed clustering in thalamus sign in CADASIL patients with NOTCH3 R75P mutation

Background and objective

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited cerebral microvascular disease characterized by the development of vascular dementia and lacunar infarctions. This study aimed to identify the genetic and clinical features of CADASIL in Japan.

Methods

We conducted genetic analysis on a case series of patients clinically diagnosed with CADASIL. Clinical and imaging analyses were performed on 32 patients with pathogenic mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. To assess the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), we utilized several established rating scales including the Fazekas scale, Scheltens rating scale, and Microbleed Anatomical Rating Scale, based on brain MRI images.

Results

Among the 32 CADASIL patients, 24 cases were found carrying the R75P mutation in NOTCH3, whereas the remaining eight cases had other NOTCH3 mutations (R75Q, R110C, C134F, C144F, R169C, and R607C). The haplotype analysis of the R75P mutation uncovered the presence of a founder effect. A brain MRI analysis revealed that cases with the R75P mutation had a significantly higher total number of CMBs, particularly in the thalamus when compared to patients with other NOTCH3 mutations. Among 15 out of 24 cases with the R75P mutation, we observed a notable clustering of CMBs in the thalamus, termed microbleed clustering in thalamus sign (MCT sign).

Conclusion

We propose that the MCT sign observed in NOTCH3 R75P-related CADASIL patients may serve as a potentially characteristic imaging feature. This finding offers further insights into the interactions between genotypes and phenotypes between NOTCH3 and CADASIL.

NOTCH3 Variants in Patients with Suspected CADASIL

Background

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarctions and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common hereditary form of cerebral small vessel disease. It is clinically, radiologically, and genetically heterogeneous and is caused by NOTCH3 mutations.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed NOTCH3 in 368 patients with suspected CADASIL using next-generation sequencing. The significant variants detected were reported along with the clinical and radiological features of the patients.

Results

Heterozygous NOTCH3 changes, mostly missense mutations, were detected in 44 of the 368 patients (~12%).

Conclusions

In this single-center study conducted on a large patient group, 30 different variants were detected, 17 of which were novel. CADASIL, which can result in mortality, has a heterogeneous phenotype among individuals in terms of clinical, demographic, and radiological findings regardless of the NOTCH3 variant.

Novel grading system for CADASIL severity: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited progressive cerebral microangiopathy with considerable phenotypic variability. The purpose of this study was to describe the generalizability of a recently proposed grading system of CADASIL across multiple centers in the United States.

Methods

Electronic medical records (EMR) of an initial neurological assessment of adult patients with confirmed CADASIL were reviewed across 5 tertiary referral medical centers with expertise in CADASIL. Demographic, vascular risk factors, and neuroimaging data were abstracted from EMR. Patients were categorized into groups according to the proposed CADASIL grading system: Grade 0 (asymptomatic), Grade 1 (migraine only), Grade 2 (stroke, TIA, or MCI), Grade 3 (gait assistance or dementia), and Grade 4 (bedbound or end-stage). Inter-rater reliability (IRR) of grading was tested in a subset of cases.

Results

We identified 138 patients with a mean age of 50.9 ± 13.1 years, and 57.2% were female. The IRR was acceptable over 33 cases (κ=0.855, SD 0.078, p<0.001) with 81.8% being concordant. There were 15 patients (10.9%) with Grade 0, 50 (36.2%) with Grade 1, 61 (44.2%) with Grade 2, 12 (8.7%) with Grade 3, and none with Grade 4. Patients with a lower severity grade (grade 0 vs 3) tended to be younger (49.5 vs. 61.9 years) and had a lower prevalence of hypertension (50% vs. 20%, p = 0.027) and diabetes mellitus (0% vs. 25%, p = 0.018). A higher severity grade was associated with an increased number of vascular risk factors (p = 0.02) and independently associated with hypertension and diabetes (p<0.05). Comparing Grade 0 vs. 3, cortical thickness tended to be greater (2.06 vs. 1.87 mm; p = 0.06) and white matter hyperintensity volume tended to be lower (54.7 vs. 72.5 ml; p = 0.73), but the differences did not reach significance.

Conclusion

The CADASIL severity grading system is a pragmatic, reliable system for characterizing CADASIL phenotype that does not require testing beyond that done in standard clinical practice. Higher severity grades tended to have a higher vascular risk factor burden. This system offers a simple method of categorizing CADASIL patients which may help to describe populations in observational and interventional studies.