Key result
AF predominantly links to non-lacunar infarcts and periventricular lesions, while atherosclerosis tracks with microbleeds.
Distinct neuroimaging signatures between atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis emphasize the need for personalized, disease-specific cerebrovascular preventive strategies.
Graphical AbstractAtrial 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.
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Luca Saba (2025) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis. Atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis was evaluated on Brain lesion patterns on neuroimaging. Atrial fibrillation is predominantly associated with non-lacunar infarcts and periventricular white matter hyperintensities, whereas atherosclerosis is linked to lacunar infarcts and microbleeds.
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