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Focal cerebral vasculitis and stroke after chickenpox
Füsun K Alehan1, Fatih Boyvat, Esra Baskin
1Department of Paediatrics, Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey. falehan@hotmail.com
Summary
Varicella infection, or chickenpox, can cause rare cerebral infarcts in children. This case highlights varicella-associated focal angiitis as a potential cause of pediatric stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cerebral infarcts are uncommon in children.
- Various conditions can lead to pediatric stroke.
- Varicella infection (chickenpox) is a common childhood illness.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with acute central facial palsy.
- Symptoms occurred one month after a confirmed chickenpox infection.
- Cerebral infarct was diagnosed via MRI, with other causes excluded.
Findings:
- Cerebral angiography revealed segmental narrowing and irregularity of the right internal carotid artery.
- Findings were consistent with focal vasculitis.
- Diagnosis of varicella-associated focal angiitis was presumed.
Implications:
- Varicella infection should be considered a potential cause of ischemic stroke in children.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of varicella-associated vasculitis are crucial.
- High-dose methylprednisolone, acyclovir, and aspirin led to vasculitis resolution.