Cerebral Microbleeds Associated with Increased Intracerebral Hemorrhage Risk in Afib Patients on Anticoagulation

A recent ischemic stroke and documented atrial fibrillation (Afib) typically constitute a strong indication for anticoagulation, but reports suggesting a potential link between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have given some clinicians pause. Although a reduction in secondary ischemic strokes with anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation is well established, a better understanding of whether the bleeding risks for specific patients might outweigh benefits could change management in some cases.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, investigators identified all reported cohort studies with at least 6 months of follow-up that included >50 ischemic stroke patients treated with oral anticoagulation fo…