Cerebral Microbleeds and Antiplatelet Therapy in Mongolian and Han Patients with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the differences in cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and their correlation with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in Mongolian and Han Chinese patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

A total of 160 patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease who took aspirin or clopidogrel for over one year were retrospectively analyzed, including 80 Mongolian and 80 han patients. The incidence, number, and distribution of CMBs were compared between groups. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for the occurrence of cerebral hemorrhage.

RESULTS

The detection rate of CMBs was significantly lower in Mongolian patients compared to Han patients (P = 0.040). Mongolian patients had a higher distribution of CMBs in the deep or infratentorial regions (66.6% vs 58.1%), while Han patients had a higher lobar distribution (P = 0.007). Prolonged antiplatelet therapy (over 3 years) was a risk factor for CMB development in both groups and was also linked to an increased risk of ICH. Patients with a higher number of CMBs had a greater likelihood of experiencing ICH.

CONCLUSION

Mongolian patients had a lower likelihood of developing CMBs than Han patients, but with a higher deep or infratentorial distribution. The presence of CMBs, especially with long-term antiplatelet therapy, is a significant predictor of ICH. No significant difference in ICH risk was found between ethnic groups. Close monitoring of patients with CMBs during prolonged antiplatelet therapy is crucial to reduce hemorrhagic events.