Posterior Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Childhood

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited literature exists on pediatric posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke.
• Understanding clinical and neuroradiological features is crucial for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe epidemiological, clinical, and neuroimaging data of pediatric posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke in Switzerland.
• To identify stroke causes and patterns in affected children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of the Swiss Neuropediatric Stroke Registry (2000-2016).
• Inclusion of children (1 month to 16 years) with isolated posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke.
• Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis (Spearman) were used.

Main Results:

• 43 children with posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke were identified (16% of childhood arterial ischemic strokes).
• Common symptoms included headache, nausea/vomiting, ataxia, and hemisyndrome.
• Focal cerebral arteriopathy was the most frequent cause (25.6%), with cerebellum and thalamus being common infarct locations.

Conclusions:

• Focal cerebral arteriopathy accounts for a significant proportion of pediatric posterior circulation arterial ischemic stroke.
• Nonspecific symptoms can delay diagnosis, highlighting the need for heightened clinical awareness.
• Timely diagnosis and treatment initiation are essential.