Neurovascular stents in pediatric population.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]