cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Also written as: CAA
Deposition of amyloid protein in brain blood vessel walls, associated with hemorrhage and cognitive decline.
Full Definition
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta protein in the walls of cerebral and leptomeningeal arteries, arterioles, and occasionally capillaries. This deposition weakens vessel walls, predisposing to spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly in lobar locations. CAA is commonly associated with Alzheimer disease but can occur independently. The diagnosis is made through Congo red staining showing apple-green birefringence under polarized light, or through amyloid-beta immunohistochemistry. Severe CAA can lead to microinfarcts, white matter changes, and cognitive impairment even without major hemorrhages.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as CAA in pathology reports.
In Context
- "Severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy was identified as the likely cause of the lobar hemorrhage." — Hemorrhagic stroke case report
- "Congo red staining confirmed extensive cerebral amyloid angiopathy in cortical vessels." — Alzheimer disease autopsy findings