Moyamoya Syndrome in a Child with Beta-Thalassemia Trait: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: The association of moyamoya angiopathy with hematological conditions such as sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia major or intermedia is well-known, but moyamoya syndrome (MMS) associated with thalassemia trait is hardly reported. We report such a rare association. Clinical Description: A 7-year-old boy presented with right-sided monoparesis with right-sided focal seizures, along with right-sided upper motor neuron type facial nerve palsy. He had a history of recurrent transient episodes of limb weakness, which were unevaluated. Examination revealed pallor and mild splenomegaly. Management and Outcome: Routine investigations revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia with normal serum iron levels. High-performance liquid chromatography was suggestive of beta-thalassemia trait. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography of the head showed infarction in the territory of the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Magnetic resonance angiography revealed significantly attenuated bilateral internal carotid arteries in the supraclinoid region with attenuated bilateral ACA and bilateral MCA along with collateral formation suggestive of moyamoya angiopathy. The final diagnosis of MMS secondary to beta-thalassemia trait was made. The child improved with aspirin and supportive management. Conclusion: MMS can be rarely associated with the beta-thalassemia trait. Such an underlying, unsuspected heterozygous beta-thalassemia (trait) may be diagnosed only after the identification of moyamoya disease following a stroke.

Keywords

• anemia
• angiopathy
• hematological
• neurological
• stroke