F-18-AV-45 Uptake, Spot Sign Presence and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) in Primary Intracranial Hemorrhage (ICH)

Florbetapir F 18 is an experimental radioactive drug that may allow doctors to image changes in the brain using a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanner. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the imaging characteristics of, Florbetapir F 18 (also known as 18F-AV-45) in patients who have previously undergone bleeding in their brains. Florbetapir F 18 binds to amyloid-ß peptide (Aß) that accumulates in the brains of patients with bleeding. These accumulations are called amyloid plaques and when extensive are labeled cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Florbetapir F 18 sticks to the amyloid plaques in the brain and emits a low level of gamma rays which can be detected by a PET camera.

MRI detected microbleeds have been identified as markers of clinically silent hemorrhage from bleeding-prone vessels. Another imaging marker of vessel damage and risk of bleeding is the spot sign (SS). Finally, certain genetic signatures (ApoE genotype) have been shown to be associated with Aß deposition in the brain or predispose patients to higher risks of bleeding. This research study will explore the interactions of these factors and understand the physiology of intracerebral bleeding.