Ischaemic stroke in children with cardiopathy: An epidemiological study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Vascular Neurology

Background:

• Childhood arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a rare but serious condition.
• Congenital and acquired heart diseases are significant risk factors for pediatric AIS.
• Understanding the specific cardiac conditions and procedures associated with AIS is crucial for prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between heart disease and arterial ischaemic stroke in children.
• To identify the types of heart diseases and cardiac interventions linked to pediatric AIS.
• To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of children with AIS and heart disease.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of children diagnosed with AIS and heart disease between 2000 and 2014.
• Inclusion criteria focused on pediatric patients with confirmed AIS and co-existing heart conditions.
• Data collection included patient demographics, heart disease type, stroke characteristics, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 74 children with heart disease and AIS were included; 60% were boys with a mean age of 11 months.
• 90% had congenital heart disease, with cyanotic heart disease (60%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome being most frequent.
• AIS was associated with cardiac surgery, catheterization, or ventricular assist devices in 70% of cases, often occurring during hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric arterial ischaemic stroke is predominantly associated with complex congenital heart diseases and cardiac procedures.
• AIS in children frequently occurs during hospitalization, often linked to cardiac interventions.
• Early diagnosis, frequently within 24 hours of symptom onset, is important for managing these high-risk pediatric patients.