Abstract 121: Misdiagnosis in a case of pediatric stroke
Authors: Ouf Aya , Shaikh Azka , Rosen Elizabeth , Farooq Osman , Hourihane John M. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Pediatric patients presenting with atypical stroke symptoms pose a diagnostic challenge, which often causes delays in management. Around a quarter of pediatric stroke patients will present with new onset seizures. We report this case to emphasize the importance of early consideration of ischemia as a differential diagnosis. We also want to emphasize the collaborative approach between pediatric and adult neurologists in challenging cases.

Methods

Case report

Results

A 15‐year‐old male presented to an outside hospital for new onset seizure. The patient later mentioned that he had difficulty writing the morning of the seizure. Initial blood work, CBC, CMP, urine analysis and toxicology were unremarkable. A second seizure occurred while in the ED. CT head revealed a questionable area of decreased attenuation in the left frontal lobe, felt to be artifact. Patient was transferred to our hospital for higher level of care. MRI of the brain showed gyriform signal abnormality within the left frontal lobe with restricted diffusion, no abnormal enhancement. Serum MOG, NMDA, LGI1, NMO antibodies were sent. LP was done and there was no evidence of infection. MRI of the C, T and L spine were unremarkable. CTA/CTV of the head was done and there was no evidence of vessel abnormalities or sinus thrombosis. Patient was started on high dose steroids for possible autoimmune etiology on hospital day 2. On Hospital Day 3, the case was re‐evaluated, and the possibility of infarction was proposed. The case was discussed with an adult vascular neurology attending physician, thus further imaging was obtained. CT Perfusion of Brain revealed a subacute left frontal infarct and possible dural AVF. A diagnostic cerebral angiography revealed enhanced capillary blush consistent with shunt in region of left peri‐Sylvian infarct. There was no evidence of other vascular malformations. A hypercoagulable panel was unremarkable. The patient was discharged on Hospital Day 6 on Vimpat and aspirin with outpatient follow‐up. Echo revealed a PFO on Valsalva maneuver. MRI spectroscopy revealed depressed creatine peak, low NAA and a high choline peak in the left frontal opercular T2 hyperintensity ‐ findings consistent with an evolving infarct with increased choline due to gliosis. He is planned for PFO closure and has not had further recurrent seizures.

Conclusion

According to Hollist et al., pediatric stroke incidence is 2.5‐13 per 100,000 children per year [1]. There are thousands of stroke misdiagnoses every year [2]. Stroke misdiagnosis is more likely in younger patients [2, 3]. 60% of pediatric stroke patients will end up with disability and half will have a decreased quality of life [4]. Misdiagnosis also results in misutilization of health care resources. Similar to our case, a collaborative approach between adult stroke neurologists and pediatric neurologists, where pediatric stroke neurologists are not available, helps avoid stroke misdiagnosis. As a result, this helps better patient outcomes and avoids preventable morbidity and mortality.