[Fibromuscular dysplasia with cerebral infarction in children. Case report]

A 15-year-old boy suddenly developed a headache, followed by progressive weakness of the right extremities. A computed tomographic scan obtained on admission showed a low-density area in the left putamen extending to the internal capsule. No neurological deficits were observed other than slight dysarthria and right hemiparesis. Left carotid angiography showed the characteristic "string of beads" deformity of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) extracranially and complete occlusion of the internal carotid artery at the C2 portion. The right carotid artery and both vertebral arteries were normal. Anastomosis of the left superficial temporal and middle cerebral arteries was performed 1 month after the onset. The patient recovered quickly from the hemiplegia and was discharged with no neurological deficits. Angiograms obtained 3 months later showed not only patency of the bypass, but also recanalization of the intracranial internal carotid artery. Cervico-cephalic FMD mainly affects middle-aged women, and is uncommon in children; only nine childhood cases have been reported. This disorder may play an important role in the genesis of strokes among children.