Imaging of Pediatric Stroke
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
Insights
Pediatric stroke, though common, is often misdiagnosed due to varied symptoms. Early neuroimaging is critical for timely diagnosis and improved outcomes in children with stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Pediatric stroke is as common as brain tumors in children but often overlooked.
- Delayed diagnosis of pediatric stroke leads to poor functional outcomes and increased mortality.
- Lack of awareness and variable presentations complicate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the etiology of pediatric stroke, including arterial ischemia, hemorrhage, and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT).
- To emphasize the critical role of neuroimaging in the early diagnosis of pediatric stroke.
- To guide physicians on selecting appropriate diagnostic imaging tools for suspected pediatric stroke cases.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric stroke etiology and diagnosis.
- Emphasis on advanced neuroimaging techniques for suspected stroke.
- Discussion of diagnostic modalities for arterial ischemia, hemorrhage, and CSVT.
Main Results:
- Neuroimaging is vital for accurate and timely diagnosis of pediatric stroke.
- Advancements in imaging offer multiple options with improved diagnostic accuracy.
- Physicians require guidance on optimal imaging choices for different clinical scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition and treatment of pediatric stroke are crucial for optimizing long-term outcomes.
- Appropriate neuroimaging is essential for prompt diagnosis and management.
- Understanding stroke etiology and available imaging tools can improve patient care.
Abstract:
Despite being as common as brain tumors in children, lack of awareness of pediatric stroke presents unique challenges, both in terms of diagnosis and management. Due to diverse and overlapping risk factors, as well as variable clinical presentations, the diagnosis can be either missed or frequently delayed. Early recognition and treatment of pediatric stroke is however critical in optimizing long-term functional outcomes, reducing morbidity and mortality, and preventing recurrent stroke. Neuroimaging plays a vital role in achieving this goal. The advancements in imaging over the last two decades have allowed for multiple modality options for suspected stroke with more accurate diagnosis, as well as quicker turnaround time in imaging diagnosis, especially at primary stroke centers. However, with the multiple imaging possibilities, referring physicians can be overwhelmed with the best option for each clinical situation and what the literature recommends. Here the authors review the etiology of pediatric stroke in the settings of arterial ischemia, hemorrhage, and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT), with emphasis on the best diagnostic tools available, including advanced imaging techniques.
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