Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are the MRI signature of perivascular haemosiderin deposition, and reflect previous small haemorrhages. Advances in MRI technology have made CMBs readily detectable, and they are increasingly recognized in various cerebral vasculopathies. They are also may develop, however, as part of normal ageing. Certain CMB patterns reflect particular pathologies (in particular, cerebral amyloid angiopathy.)
It remains uncertain whether the presence of CMBs, or their pattern of distribution, ought to effect acute ischaemic stroke treatments, or ischaemic stroke secondary prevention. Treatment strategies following intracerebral haemorrhage, however, may differ depending on the number or pattern of CMBs found.