Chickenpox and stroke in children: case studies and literature review

Abstract

Postvaricella cerebral arteriopathy (PVCA) presents with acute haemiparesis and/or haemidistonia, caused by ischaemic lesions of internal capsule and/or basal ganglia, related to stenosis of proximal middle and/or anterior cerebral arteries. Anti-aggregant drugs are recommended to prevent thrombus expansion and recurrent stroke, but neurologic outcome is usually good regardless of the therapeutic approach.

Conclusion: Chickenpox should be considered in differential diagnosis of ischaemic stroke in healthy children who fit the clinical and radiological typical profile of PVCA.

Keywords: Chickenpox; Ischaemic stroke; Postvaricella cerebral arteriopathy; Varicella.