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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

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|October 29, 2002
PubMed

Insights

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.

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