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Cerebral amyloid angiopathy - Overview

Alternative Names

Amyloidosis - cerebral; CAA

Definition of Cerebral amyloid angiopathy:

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a neurological condition in which amyloid protein builds up on the walls of the arteries in the brain. The condition increases one's risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of cerebral amyloid angiopathy is unknown. Persons with this condition have deposits of amyloid protein in the walls of the brain arteries. The protein is usually not deposited anywhere else in the body.

The major risk factor is increasing age. The rate of the condition is much greater in those older than 60.

Amyloidosis on the fingers

Arteries of the brain

Reviewed last on: 9/16/2008
Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kinnecom C, Lev MH, Wendell L, et al. Course of cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation. Neurology. 2007 Apr 24;68(17):1411-6.

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