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Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats
Published on: April 21, 2017
Chickenpox and stroke in children: case studies and literature review
Ana F Reis1, Patrícia Pais, José P Monteiro
1Department of Paediatrics, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal.
Insights
Postvaricella cerebral arteriopathy (PVCA) is a condition causing stroke in children after chickenpox. Early diagnosis is key, though outcomes are generally good with anti-aggregant treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Postvaricella cerebral arteriopathy (PVCA) is a rare but serious complication following chickenpox infection.
- It is characterized by stenosis of cerebral arteries leading to ischemic lesions.
Observation:
- PVCA typically presents with acute hemiparesis and/or hemidistonia.
- Lesions are commonly found in the internal capsule and/or basal ganglia.
Findings:
- Anti-aggregant drugs are recommended to prevent thrombus expansion and recurrent stroke.
- Neurologic outcomes are generally favorable irrespective of the specific therapeutic strategy employed.
Implications:
- Chickenpox should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ischemic stroke in children.
- Recognizing the clinical and radiological profile of PVCA aids in timely diagnosis and management.
Unlabelled:
Postvaricella cerebral arteriopathy (PVCA) presents with acute haemiparesis and/or haemidistonia, caused by ischaemic lesions of internal capsule and/or basal ganglia, related to stenosis of proximal middle and/or anterior cerebral arteries. Anti-aggregant drugs are recommended to prevent thrombus expansion and recurrent stroke, but neurologic outcome is usually good regardless of the therapeutic approach.
Conclusion:
Chickenpox should be considered in differential diagnosis of ischaemic stroke in healthy children who fit the clinical and radiological typical profile of PVCA.
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