Abstract
Cerebral microbleeds (MBs) originate from hypertensive microangiopathy or amyloid angiopathy. However, small intracerebral bleeds associated with other diseases or head traumas are also reported as MBs, in the absence of MB criteria. MBs are divided into two groups, lobar areas and deep areas including posterior fossae. MBs in these two areas are investigated each for related diseases and risk factors. Recently, apolipoprotein ε4 or inflammation were reported to influence MBs. MBs originate from multiple factors. In people with MBs, the incidence or recurrent rate of strokes, in particular intracerebral hemorrhages or lacunar infarctions, are higher than those without MB. MBs might be a surrogate marker for strokes. However, there are no guidelines for anti-platelet or anti-coagulant drug use, for people with MBs. Further studies are needed to investigate antithrombotic drug uses in patients with MBs. MBs are reported to be associated with neuro-cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
