Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children

Abstract

Arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children has a high mortality and life-long disability rate in surviving patients. Diagnostic delays are longer and risk factors are different compared with AIS in the adult population. Congenital heart disease, cervical arterial dissection, and intracranial arteriopathies are the main causes of AIS in children. New revascularization time windows in children require the definition of diagnostic protocols for stroke in each referral center. In this article, we discuss the neuroimaging techniques and protocols, describe the main underlying causes, and review the current treatment options for pediatric and perinatal AIS.

Keywords: Arterial dissection; Arterial ischemic stroke; Children; Congenital heart disease; Focal cerebral arteriopathy; Imaging; Moyamoya; Neonates.