Title

Arteriopathy diagnosis in childhood arterial ischemic stroke: results of the vascular effects of infection in pediatric stroke study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2014

Abstract

Background and Purpose—Although arteriopathies are the most common cause of childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), and the strongest predictor of recurrent stroke, they are difficult to diagnose. We studied the role of clinical data and follow-up imaging in diagnosing cerebral and cervical arteriopathy in children with AIS. Methods—VIPS, an international prospective study, enrolled 355 cases of AIS (age 29d-18y) at 39 centers. A neuroradiologist and stroke neurologist independently reviewed vascular imaging of the brain (mandatory for inclusion) and neck to establish a diagnosis of arteriopathy (definite, possible, or absent) in 3 steps: (1) baseline imaging alone; (2) plus clinical data; (3) plus follow-up imaging. A 4-person committee, including a second neuroradiologist and stroke neurologist, adjudicated disagreements. Using the final diagnosis as the gold standard, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of each step. Results—Cases were median 7.6 years of age (IQR 2.8, 14); 56% male. The majority (52%) were previously healthy; 41% had follow-up vascular imaging. Only 56 (16%) required adjudication. The gold standard diagnosis was definite arteriopathy in 127 (36%), possible in 34 (9.6%), and absent in 194 (55%). Sensitivity was 79% at Step 1, 90% at Step 2, and 94% at Step 3; specificity was high throughout (99%, 100%, 100%), as was agreement between reviewers (Kappa 0.77, 0.81, 0.78). Conclusions—Clinical data and follow-up imaging help, yet uncertainty in the diagnosis of childhood arteriopathy remains. This presents a challenge to better understanding the mechanisms underlying these arteriopathies and designing strategies for prevention of childhood AIS.

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