Cerebral amyloid angiopathy: an overview

Neuropathology. 2000 Mar;20(1):8-22. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1789.2000.00268.x.

Abstract

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by amyloid deposition in cortical and leptomeningeal vessels. Several cerebrovascular amyloid proteins (amyloid beta-protein (Abeta), cystatin C (ACys), prion protein (AScr), transthyretin (ATTR), gelsolin (AGel), and ABri (or A-WD)) have been identified, leading to the classification of several types of CAA. Sporadic CAA of Abeta type is commonly found in elderly individuals and patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is an important cause of cerebrovascular disorders including lobar cerebral hemorrhage, leukoencephalopathy, and small cortical hemorrhage and infarction. We review the clinicopathological and molecular aspects of CAA and discuss the pathogenesis of CAA with future perspectives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / genetics
  • Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy / classification*
  • Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy / genetics
  • Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy / pathology*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides