Charcot-Bouchard Microaneurysms

Summary

Charcot Bourchard describes microaneurysms in the brain. They are usually caused by chronic hypertension that weakens blood vessel walls. In particular, lenticulostriate arteries near the basal ganglia are often affected by these microaneurysms.

When a charcot bouchard microaneurysm ruptures, it causes bleeding within the brain tissue. This is formally known as intraparenchymal hemorrhages. These hemorrhages appear as a pinpoint hyperdense area on CT imaging.

Key Points

• Charcot-Bouchard Microaneurysm
  • Cause
    • Small outpouchings (microaneurysms) of small blood vessels
    • Associated with chronic hypertension
    • Affects small vessels in deep brain structures
      • Commonly the lenticulostriate arteries in basal ganglia
  • Presentation
    • Rupture causes intraparenchymal hemorrhages
  • Diagnosis
    • Rupture (intraparenchymal hemorrhage) visible on CT Head without contrast
      • Pinpoint/localized focus of intraparenchymal hyperdensity may be seen