Carotid artery calcification is associated with deep cerebral microbleeds

Background/Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the association between arterial calcification and cerebral microbleeds (CMB) relative to their distribution. Methods: We identified 834 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who underwent CT angiography and susceptibility-weighted imaging. Results: Internal carotid artery (ICA) calcification and CMB were found in 660 patients (79.1%) and 335 patients (40.2%), respectively. ICA calcification was independently associated with CMB of any location (odds ratio, OR, 2.86, 95% CI 2.01-4.08, p < 0.0001). The association between calcification and deep CMB was stronger (OR 3.51, 95% CI 2.39-5.14, p < 0.0001). However, ICA calcification was not associated with CMB in a strictly lobar area. Conclusion: ICA calcification is an independent risk factor for deep CMB but not for a strictly lobar CMB. Our findings might contribute to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease.