Affiliations: Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of
Pediatrics, Carman and Ann Adams, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State
University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA | Department of Neurology, Wayne State University,
School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Sharief Taraman, MD, Children's Hospital of
Michigan, Neurology, 3901 Beaubien Blvd., Detroit, MI 48201, USA. Tel.: +1 313
745 5906; Fax: +1 313 745 0955; E-mail: staraman@med.wayne.edu
Abstract: This paper reviews the spectrum of vasculitides that affect the
brain, specifically focusing on primary angiitis of the central nervous system
(CNS) and how they relate to stroke in the pediatric population. CNS vasculitis
accounts for a substantial portion of pediatric stroke. The extent and severity
of the stroke is variable. Hemiparesis and encephalopathy occur commonly, but
are not specific to CNS vasculitis. The non-specific presentation and results
of investigations make diagnosis difficult. Lack of controlled treatment trials
complicates the management. Blood inflammatory markers, cerebrospinal fluid
analysis, multiple imaging techniques including conventional angiography, and
brain biopsy form the routine workup. Therapeutic modalities including
anti-platelet agents, corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and other
immunomodulatory agents have been used with the vertical line on the right is
cutting into the text apparent success, but the evidence is mostly anecdotal.
Keywords: Stroke, vasculitis, angiitis, central nervous system, pediatric
