Suzuki Stage VI Unilateral Moyamoya Disease Presenting With Massive Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Abstract

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by stenosis of the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the development of collateral vessels. In late Suzuki stage MMD, ICA almost disappears, and the moyamoya vessels gradually regress. We report a case of late Suzuki stage unilateral MMD presenting with intraventricular hemorrhage. A 76-year-old woman who had previously been diagnosed with right ICA occlusive disease was referred to our hospital due to impaired consciousness. Radiological evaluation revealed massive intraventricular hemorrhage. After endoscopic hematoma removal, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed to examine the vascular anatomy, which revealed numerous basal moyamoya vessels originating from the posterior cerebral artery. Three-dimensional rotational angiography identified a choroidal anastomosis originating from the posterior choroidal artery as the hemorrhage source. The patient had an RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys heterozygous variant in the germline. Based on the DSA findings, MMD was diagnosed, and the patient was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital with good postoperative consciousness. In conclusion, patients diagnosed with ICA occlusive disease may have late Suzuki stage MMD, potentially leading to major hemorrhage; therefore, antithrombotic medications should be administered with caution. In diagnosing ICA occlusive disease, the assessment of periventricular anastomosis should be considered, taking into account the possibility of MMD.

Keywords: angiography; choroidal anastomosis; intraventricular hemorrhage; late stage; moyamoya disease; suzuki.