Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a very common condition observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) populations. It corresponds to accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain vasculature and is found in 80% of AD brains at autopsy. Aging and AD are the two most common risk factors for CAA. Although definitive CAA diagnosis requires histopathology, in clinical practice CAA can be diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with blood-sensitive sequences. While MRI-based criteria have shown good accuracy in CAA diagnosis, these imaging features are only indirectly linked to CAA. Other imaging tools such as positron emission tomography (PET) are also used in research settings and aim to improve the characterization of CAA and associated features. Ultimately, a great deal of progress has been made toward linking cerebrovascular disease, Aβ deposition, and dementia. We are now working toward understanding how CAA progresses and developing vascular-mediated Aβ elimination treatment approaches. In this chapter, we review the clinical aspects of CAA, the imaging approaches used in clinical settings, and the potential of imaging in research studies, concluding with future directions for clinical research and treatment.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Hybrid PET/MR Neuroimaging |
Subtitle of host publication | A Comprehensive Approach |
Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
Pages | 273-282 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783030823672 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783030823665 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2021 |
Keywords
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy
- MRI
- PET