Long-term stroke risk in Moyamoya disease
Peter Birkeland1, Victoria Hansen2, Vinosha Tharmabalan1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, København Ø, Denmark.
Summary
Moyamoya disease (MMD) patients face a significant long-term stroke risk. Bypass surgery reduced stroke events, while females showed a trend toward higher risk in this observational study.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive condition with a high risk of recurrent stroke.
- Limited long-term data exists to fully quantify stroke risk in MMD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term stroke risk associated with Moyamoya disease.
- To identify potential risk factors contributing to stroke events in MMD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MMD patient records from multiple Danish hospitals (1994-2021).
- Analysis of stroke events, including ischemic strokes and brain hemorrhages.
- Kaplan-Meier analysis to estimate stroke risk over time.
Main Results:
- A 5-year stroke risk of 10% was observed in the MMD cohort.
- Patients undergoing bypass surgery experienced significantly fewer stroke events compared to conservatively treated patients.
- A statistically significant higher incidence of stroke events was noted in female patients.
Conclusions:
- This study quantifies the substantial long-term recurrent stroke risk in Moyamoya disease.
- Surgical intervention (bypass) appears to reduce stroke incidence.
- Female MMD patients may represent a higher-risk subgroup requiring closer monitoring.
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