Cerebral Microbleeds are Associated With Post-stroke Dysphagia in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients.
Journal
World neurosurgery
Journal Volume
203
Start Page
124465
ISSN
1878-8769
Date Issued
2025-09-12
Author(s)
Lin, Yen-Heng
Lai, Ting-Ju
Hsu, Ya-Chu
Lu, You-Lin
Abstract
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are markers of small vessel disease in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and may impact recovery. Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a significant complication of ICH. This study investigates the association between CMBs and PSD in patients with spontaneous ICH. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with acute spontaneous ICH who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for lobar CMB assessment between June 2019 and June 2023. Lobar CMBs were defined based on susceptibility-weighted MRI interpreted by a board-certificated neuroradiologist. PSD was assessed with NG tube retention and Functional Oral Intake Scale levels at the first, fourth, and 12th week after ICH. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between lobar CMBs and PSD. Results: A total of 187 patients were included, of whom 61.5% presented with lobar CMBs. The NG tube retention rate was significantly higher in ICH patients with lobar CMB compared to those without at 4 (47.8% vs. 22.2%, P = 0.0004) and 12 weeks (42.6% vs. 9.7%, P < 0.0001). Functional Oral Intake Scale levels were significantly lower in ICH patients with lobar CMBs at 4 weeks (5.0 vs. 5.7, P = 0.0449). ICH patients with lobar CMBs showed a significant association with prolonged NG tube retention at 4 and 12 weeks. Conclusions: Lobar CMBs were associated with prolonged PSD in patients with spontaneous ICH. CMBs may serve as predictive markers for post-ICH dysphagia outcomes. Early identification of CMBs may aid in personalizing rehabilitation strategies to improve swallowing recovery in ICH patients.
Subjects
Cerebral microbleeds
Dysphagia
Intracerebral hemorrhage
Nasogastric tube
Type
journal article