Rapid contralateral progression of focal cerebral arteriopathy distinguished from RNF213-related moyamoya disease and fibromuscular dysplasia.

BACKGROUND

Focal cerebral arteriopathy includes unifocal or multifocal lesions that are unilateral or bilateral. Large- and/or medium-sized vessels are involved and can be visualized on angiography.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of cerebral infarction in a 9-year-old Japanese female who presented with a transient ischemic attack. Steno-occlusion involving the distal part of the internal carotid artery, proximal middle cerebral artery, and anterior cerebral artery was observed. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a beaded appearance in the cervical portion of the diseased internal carotid artery. Revascularization surgery was performed 45 days after the onset. A new infarction appeared on the other side of the anterior cerebral artery territory 7 months after the first onset. Antiplatelets and vasodilators were administered, and no progression was observed during 18 months of follow-up. Genetic analysis did not show ring finger protein 213 (RNF213)-related moyamoya disease, and pathological examination revealed no characteristics of fibromuscular dysplasia.

CONCLUSION

The radiological and genetic features coincided with focal cerebral arteriopathy, which is a distinct entity from fibromuscular dysplasia and RNF213-related moyamoya disease.