Vascular Abnormalities in Children

If your infant or child is diagnosed with an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and moyamoya disease, they need prompt evaluation and treatment to lower the risk of life-threatening stroke or hemorrhage. The practitioners at Johns Hopkins have extensive expertise in addressing and treating these problems with medications, surgery and other approaches.

Pediatric Neurovascular Abnormalities: Why Choose Johns Hopkins?

- At Johns Hopkins, your child will benefit from the expertise of a multidisciplinary group including pediatric neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, neurologists and pediatricians.
- Johns Hopkins offers the latest tests to help diagnose vascular conditions, and our team has particular expertise in pediatric angiography, which is key in evaluating these disorders.
- Your child’s team has the full array of surgical techniques at its disposal and will collaborate on the best possible approach for your child.
- Pediatric neurosurgical patients are cared for at the renowned Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, which offers comprehensive care and support for the entire family as well as the individual child.

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Pediatric Vascular Malformations: Treatments

Embolization

Sometimes, an interventional radiology approach can treat the problem. The interventional radiologist may inject various materials in the blood vessels to help stop the source of bleeding. This treatment is called embolization, and can sometimes be a permanent cure. It also may stem the bleeding enough to make the surgery easier for the patient.

Surgery for Vascular Abnormalities

Aneurysms: Your pediatric neurosurgeon will determine the best course of surgical treatment, which may involve endovascular coiling (sealing the aneurysm from the rest of the circulatory system), clipping (sealing and clipping the aneurysm) or other approach, depending on the size, shape and location of the aneurysm in the brain.

AVM: Surgery may be able to correct an arteriovenous malformation. Or, your child’s team may recommend embolization (discussed above) or radiosurgery treatments, which use focused X-rays to remove the abnormalities. However, there are considerations and risks that you should discuss in depth with your pediatric neurosurgeon.

Moyamoya: The pediatric neurosurgeon will rebuild the blood supply of the carotid artery, which is the main supply for the brain.

Post Surgery

Follow-up care is extremely important in tracking the progress of your child’s recovery. Your pediatric neurosurgery team will help you schedule follow-up appointments to make sure your child is making the best possible recovery.

Pediatric Neurovascular Specialists

The pediatric neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins are highly skilled and experienced in addressing even the most complex blood vessel malformations in children.