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Childhood stroke and supraventricular tachycardia
V L Atluru1, L G Epstein, N Gootman
1Department of Pediatric Neurology, State University of New York, Stony Brook.
Insights
Childhood stroke is rare, but this case highlights a link between acquired hemiplegia and supraventricular tachycardia in a young child. This association is crucial for understanding pediatric stroke causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Cardiology
- Cerebrovascular Diseases
Background:
- Acquired hemiplegia in childhood is uncommon, with diverse potential causes including rare instances of atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease.
- Unlike adults, cardiac conditions leading to stroke are exceptionally rare in otherwise healthy children.
Observation:
- A four-year-old child presented with acute right hemiplegia.
- The child also experienced episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Findings:
- Cerebral angiography revealed a left internal carotid artery occlusion.
- This case represents the first reported instance of childhood stroke associated with supraventricular tachycardia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering a broader range of potential etiologies in pediatric stroke, even rare associations.
- Recognizing the link between SVT and stroke in children may improve diagnostic approaches and patient outcomes.
- Further research into the mechanisms connecting cardiac arrhythmias and pediatric stroke is warranted.
Abstract:
Acquired hemiplegia in childhood is uncommon. All causes of stroke in adults should be considered in children, including atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease even though it is rare. In addition, children suffer from many conditions that may result in stroke. Unlike adults, a cardiac illness resulting in stroke is extremely unusual in an otherwise healthy child. We report a case of a four-year-old child; he presented with the sudden onset of a right hemiplegia associated with supraventricular tachycardia. Cerebral angiography indicated a left internal carotid artery occlusion. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of childhood stroke with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).