Intracranial Vascular Abnormalities in Children

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2021 Aug;68(4):825-843. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2021.04.010.

Abstract

Intracranial vascular abnormalities rarely are encountered in primary care. Many of the pathologies are occult and prognosis varies widely between inconsequential variants of anatomy to acutely life-threatening conditions. Consequently, there often is a great deal of anxiety associated with any potential diagnosis. This article reviews anatomic intracranial vascular lesions, including vascular malformations (arteriovenous malformations/arteriovenous fistulae and cavernous malformations), structural arteriopathies (aneurysms and moyamoya), and common developmental anomalies of the vasculature. The focus includes a general overview of anatomy, pathology, epidemiology, and key aspects of evaluation for the primary care provider and a review of common questions encountered in practice.

Keywords: Arteriopathy; Arteriovenous malformations; Cavernous malformations; Intracranial vascular abnormalities; Moyamoya; Pediatric; Stroke.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / therapy
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / therapy
  • Child
  • Child Welfare / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnosis*
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / therapy
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*