This study investigates the association between COVID-19 and cerebral microbleeds (CMB) in a general population. The researchers conducted a retrospective case-control study, including 73 COVID-19 cases and 219 matched non-exposed controls, all over 18 years old, who underwent MRI with susceptibility-weighted sequences between January 1, 2019, and July 1, 2021. Cases were identified through positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests, and controls were matched based on age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities. The number of CMB was determined using artificial intelligence. The results showed that COVID-19 was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of CMB (odds ratio 2.66, 95% CI 1.23–5.76), even after excluding patients with dementia and those who were hospitalized. The findings suggest that CMB may be a potential neurological consequence of COVID-19, providing insights into the pathophysiology of CMB and helping to explain their occurrence in patients with a history of COVID-19.This study investigates the association between COVID-19 and cerebral microbleeds (CMB) in a general population. The researchers conducted a retrospective case-control study, including 73 COVID-19 cases and 219 matched non-exposed controls, all over 18 years old, who underwent MRI with susceptibility-weighted sequences between January 1, 2019, and July 1, 2021. Cases were identified through positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests, and controls were matched based on age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities. The number of CMB was determined using artificial intelligence. The results showed that COVID-19 was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of CMB (odds ratio 2.66, 95% CI 1.23–5.76), even after excluding patients with dementia and those who were hospitalized. The findings suggest that CMB may be a potential neurological consequence of COVID-19, providing insights into the pathophysiology of CMB and helping to explain their occurrence in patients with a history of COVID-19.