Clinical Investigative Study

Cerebral Microbleeds Are Uncommon in Ischemic Stroke Associated with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Anastasios Chatzikonstantinou MD

From the Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

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Olaf Willmann MD,

Olaf Willmann MD

From the Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

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Kristina Szabo MD,

Kristina Szabo MD

From the Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

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Michael G. Hennerici MD, PhD,

Michael G. Hennerici MD, PhD

From the Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

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Anastasios Chatzikonstantinou MD,

Anastasios Chatzikonstantinou MD

From the Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

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Olaf Willmann MD,

Olaf Willmann MD

From the Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

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Kristina Szabo MD,

Kristina Szabo MD

From the Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

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Michael G. Hennerici MD, PhD,

Michael G. Hennerici MD, PhD

From the Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.

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First published: 24 March 2011

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6569.2009.00440.x

Citations: 12

Correspondence: Address correspondence to M.G. Hennerici, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany. E-mail: [email protected].

J Neuroimaging 2011;21:103-107.

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Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with cardioembolic ischemic stroke from nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are candidates for long-term anticoagulation. This study examines the prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (MBs) in stroke patients with NVAF.

METHODS

A total of 132 consecutive ischemic stroke patients with NVAF admitted to our Stroke Unit were recruited if complete magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies including T2* imaging had been performed within less than 72 hours. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were documented and cerebrovascular risk factors were monitored.

RESULTS

Among 132 patients (mean age 74.1 ± 9.8 years), only 9 (6.8%) had MBs (mean number 6.2) as detected on T2* MR images. No statistically significant differences between patients without versus with MBs were observed regarding arterial hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and coronary heart disease. However, small vessel disease (SVD) was significantly more frequent in patients with MBs than without MBs (44.4% vs. 12.2%; P < .05) and significantly more patients with MBs experienced repeated strokes (44.4% vs. 14.6%; P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to studies reflecting a high incidence of MBs in stroke patients of various subtypes, MBs occurred less frequently in patients with cardioembolic acute ischemic stroke associated with NVAF. In patients with severe SVD or repeated cerebrovascular events, special caution should be taken regarding oral anticoagulation.

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Volume21, Issue2

April 2011

Pages 103-107

Cerebral Microbleeds Are Uncommon in Ischemic Stroke Associated with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

METHODS

RESULTS

CONCLUSIONS

References

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Cerebral Microbleeds Are Uncommon in Ischemic Stroke Associated with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

METHODS

RESULTS

CONCLUSIONS

References

Citing Literature

References

Related

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