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Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

Amyloid deposition in cerebral vessels and risk of hemorrhage.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy?

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a cerebrovascular disease in which amyloid beta protein accumulates in the walls of cortical and leptomeningeal arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. It is found at autopsy in 10 to 40 percent of people over 60 and in 80 to 90 percent of patients with Alzheimer disease.

It is the most common cause of spontaneous lobar intracerebral hemorrhage in the elderly, in contrast to hypertensive bleeding which is centered on the basal ganglia. Annual recurrent bleeding risk is 7 to 15 percent.

Diagnosis uses the modified Boston criteria. Gradient-echo and SWI MRI sequences reveal multiple lobar microbleeds and cortical superficial siderosis suggestive of CAA.

Symptoms

Acute lobar intracerebral hemorrhage with headache and focal deficit
Transient focal neurological episodes (amyloid spells)
Rapidly progressive cognitive decline
Seizures
Convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage
Amyloid-related inflammatory angiopathy with subacute encephalopathy

Risk Factors

Advanced age — the strongest risk factor
APOE epsilon4 and epsilon2 alleles
Coexisting Alzheimer disease
Anticoagulation, which raises bleeding risk
Familial forms with APP gene mutations

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden headache with neurological deficit (urgent — possible hemorrhage)
  • Recurrent brief neurological episodes in an elderly person
  • Rapid cognitive deterioration
  • Microbleeds detected incidentally on MRI

Treatment Methods

01
Neurosurgical consultation for large hematomas
02
Tight blood pressure control
03
Individualized risk-benefit decisions on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
04
Antiepileptic drugs for seizure control
05
Immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids for amyloid-related inflammation
06
Fall prevention and cognitive rehabilitation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.