Clinical Characteristics of Cerebrovascular Disease in Infants and Children and Its Outcomes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The incidence and clinical features of cerebrovascular disease in childhood were not clearly clarified in domestic. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical characteristics of cerebrovascular disease in infants and children, and its outcome, a retrospective study was performed to adequate management. METHODS: We reviewed clinical records of the patients who had admitted to Inje University Pusan Paik Hospital during 6 years from 1989 to June 1994. A 6-year experience with childhood cerebrovascular disease unrelated to birth, intracranial infection,leukemia associated or trauma identified 41 patients. RESULTS: There were 14cases(34%)of ischemic cerebrovascular disease as well as 27cases(66%) of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease. 1) The male to female ratio was 1.731. 2) We observed two incidence peaks in hemorrhagic stroke,one in infant(1<) and the other in 10 year old,in ischemic stroke, one in between 2-5 year, the other in between 6-10 year. 3) The presenting symptoms and signs of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease were altered consciousness, vomiting, headache, diarrhea but that of ischemic cerebrovascular disease were hemiparesis, seizure, altered consciousness, headache. 4) The incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was higher than ischemic stroke. 5) In hemorrhagic stroke, Arteriovenous malformation was most common, and the next was late hemorrhagic disease of infancy. 6) In ischemic stroke,moyamoya disease was most common. 7) The mortality rate in stroke was 9.7 percent,it was only in hemorrhagic stroke. 8) Hemiparesis was the commonest of the residual deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Considering above results We concluded that there was higher initial mortality rate in hemorrhagic stroke, but relatively lower residual disabilities. And since the neurologic deficit was severe in ischemic stroke in spite of proper management,so intensive managements are required for preventing disability.