Stroke in hemoglobin (SD) sickle cell disease with moyamoya: successful hydroxyurea treatment after cerebrovascular

M Schmugge1, H Frischknecht, Y Yonekawa

  • 1Department of Hematology, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.

Blood
|March 27, 2001
PubMed

An 11-year-old boy with hemoglobin sickle disease (HbSD), bilateral stenosis of the intracranial carotid arteries, and moyamoya syndrome had recurrent ischemic strokes with aphasia and right hemiparesis. His parents (Jehovah's Witnesses) refused blood transfusions. After bilateral extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery, hydroxyurea treatment increased hemoglobin F (HbF) levels to more than 30%. During a follow-up of 28 months, flow velocities in the basal cerebral arteries remained stable, neurologic sequelae regressed, and ischemic events did not recur. This is the first report of successful hydroxyurea treatment after bypass surgery for intracranial cerebral artery obstruction with moyamoya syndrome in sickle cell disease. The patient's religious background contributed to an ethically challenging therapeutic task. (Blood. 2001;97:2165-2167)

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure01:16

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure

Oxygen therapy has emerged as a significant tool in enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While this therapy has principally been studied on patients with significant hypoxemia, this therapeutic approach helps prevent potential organ damage and can be administered in the comfort of one's home.
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...