Cerebral signatures of cardiovascular disease: distinct brain lesion patterns in atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atherosclerosis are associated with distinct brain lesion patterns detectable on neuroimaging. In patients with AF, the predominant findings are non-lacunar infarcts and periventricular white matter hyperintensities, which suggest embolic mechanisms and potential chronic hypoperfusion in vulnerable regions. In contrast, patients with atherosclerosis more frequently exhibit lacunar infarcts and cerebral microbleeds, consistent with small vessel pathology and hypertensive arteriopathy. This visual synthesis emphasizes the importance of developing disease-specific preventive and therapeutic strategies, moving beyond generic cardiovascular risk control toward personalized cerebrovascular care.
Source: European Heart Journal
Author: Luca Saba
Institution: University of Cagliari
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4413832179