Transcranial doppler ultrasound in children with Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Lori C. Jordan, Robert J. Wityk, Michael M. Dowling, Robert M. DeJong, Anne M. Comi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transcranial Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive vascular assessment technique proved useful in the management of pediatric disorders predisposed to stroke and may have similar utility for Sturge-Weber syndrome. Eight children with Sturge-Weber syndrome had velocities measured in the major cerebral arteries via the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia methodology. Velocities and pulsatility indexes were compared between the unaffected and affected sides. All subjects had reduced velocity on the affected side; the mean middle cerebral artery percentage difference was 20% (95% CI, 15%-25%). Pulsatility index was increased on the affected side; mean middle cerebral artery pulsatility index percentage difference, 34% (95% CI, 15%-53%). Six subjects also had reduced posterior cerebral artery velocity on the affected side. Side-to-side differences in middle cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery velocities correlated with severity of MRI asymmetry (Spearman ρ = 0.88, P = .02). Decreased arterial flow velocity and increased pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery suggests a high resistance pattern that may reflect venous stasis and may contribute to chronic hypoperfusion of brain tissue. Further study of Transcranial Doppler in children with Sturge-Weber syndrome is indicated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)137-143
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of child neurology
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2008

Keywords

  • Sturge-Weber syndrome
  • Transcranial Doppler ultrasound
  • Vascular

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

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