Comparing Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging and T2* Gradient-Recalled Echo for Cerebral Microbleeds Detection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background and Purpose Criteria for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities in anti-amyloid therapy are based on T2* gradient-recalled echo (GRE), but susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is widely used, creating uncertainty.This study quantitatively compared the detectability of SWI and GRE for cerebral microbleeds and established evidence supporting distinct microbleed criteria for each.Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines.PubMed and Embase were searched for studies directly comparing SWI and GRE up to August 8, 2024.Study quality was assessed with QUADAS-2.The pooled proportion of microbleed detection and detection ratio were calculated.Subgroup analyses were performed based on magnetic field strength (1.5 T vs. 3 T) and SWI slice thickness (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Intracerebral and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research
Cerebrospinal fluid and hydrocephalus
Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Clinical Neurology
- Publisher
- XMLink
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 193–193
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN