Endovascular therapy for acute stroke in children

Endovascular therapies for acute childhood stroke remain controversial and little evidence exists to determine the minimum age and size cut-off for thrombectomy in children. In a recent study published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery, Monica S. Pearl, M.D., director of Neurointerventional Radiology Program at Children’s National Hospital, and other experts found an increasing number of reports suggesting the feasibility of thrombectomy in at least some children by experienced operators.

When compared with adults, technical modifications may be necessary in children owing to differences in vessel sizes, tolerance of blood loss, safety of contrast and radiation exposure, and differing stroke etiologies. Dr. Pearl and experts reviewed critical considerations for neurologists and neurointerventionalists when treating pediatric stroke with endovascular therapies.

Additional study authors from Children’s National include: Dana Harrar, M.D., Ph.D., and Carlos Castillo Pinto, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Read the full study in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery.