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Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Presenting as Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Cognitive Decline in an 80-Year-Old Patient: A Clinicoradiologic Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Clinical Significance: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a neurovascular disorder characterized by the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides within the walls of small-to-medium-sized cerebral vessels, leading to vascular fragility and an increased risk of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), cognitive decline, and recurrent stroke. CAA is an important cause of spontaneous ICH in elderly patients and may be underrecognized, particularly when presenting with acute neurologic symptoms that mimic ischemic stroke. Early identification has significant implications for management, prognosis, and secondary prevention. Case Presentation: An 80-year-old male presented to the emergency department with incoherent speech, rambling, and severe headache concerning for acute stroke. His medical history was notable for a prior cerebrovascular accident, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and recent evaluation for dementia-like symptoms. Initial neuroimaging revealed a 3.2 cm intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the left occipital lobe with surrounding edema. Subsequent MRI demonstrated a lobar hemorrhage pattern suggestive of CAA based on imaging findings and clinical context. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close neurologic monitoring. He remained hemodynamically stable with no new motor or sensory deficits. Over a three-day hospital course, his speech and visual deficits improved. Blood pressure was carefully controlled, and repeat imaging demonstrated stable hemorrhage without progression. He was diagnosed with probable CAA and discharged home with supportive services. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of considering cerebral amyloid angiopathy in elderly patients presenting with spontaneous lobar intracerebral hemorrhage and cognitive symptoms. Prompt recognition and appropriate neuroimaging are critical for diagnosis, risk stratification, and guiding management.

Source: Reports — Medical Cases Images and Videos

DOI: 10.3390/reports9020191

Authors: Riana Tarabocchia, Kiran Javaid, Rahul Mittal, Maria Balabanian, Rory Ulloque

Institutions: Holy Name Medical Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Language: English

Topic: Intracerebral and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689