Neurovascular stents in pediatric population

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze the results obtained using stents for the treatment of neurovascular diseases in pediatric patients.

Methods: A retrospective study of 6-year period was undertaken evaluating clinical charts and imaging studies of patients treated with stents because of neurovascular diseases.

Results: Nine patients were managed with 10 stents. Seven children were females. The median age was 11 years. There were four cases of broad neck cerebral aneurysms, a pseudoaneurysm of the cervical internal carotid artery, a vertebro-jugular fistula, two patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis affecting the cervical and supraclinoid segment, and a vertebral artery dissection. The only complication was a silent posterior communicating artery (PCoA) thrombosis in a PCoA aneurysm treated with two stents. Dual antiplatelet therapy was given after the procedure to avoid in stent thrombosis.

Conclusion: Stents are safe and effective for treatment of neurovascular diseases in children, but studies are needed in order to protocolize the use of antiplatelet drugs in children.

Keywords: Antiplatelet drug; Carotid artery stenosis; Cerebral broad neck aneurysm; Children; Stent; Stroke.