Abstract
Moyamoya is a progressive arteriopathy of the intracranial vasculature, predominantly
affecting the terminal branches of the internal carotid artery. Treatment is predicated
on surgical revascularization to reduce the risk of stroke. For patients diagnosed
and treated as children, it is important to recognize the long-term implications of
the disease, for example, that moyamoya is treatable, but not curable. Pediatric moyamoya
patients face unique challenges as they transition to adulthood as a consequence of
the chronic nature of this disorder. Successful long-term care requires a strategy
that incorporates ongoing longitudinal disease monitoring, coordination of care between
physician teams, and anticipation of socioeconomic factors that change over time.
This article provides an approach to transition care to adult caregivers for pediatric
moyamoya patients with a specific focus on the three key stakeholders in the process:
the neurosurgeon, the primary care physician, and the individual patient.
Keywords
moyamoya - pediatric - adult - transition - cerebrovascular - stroke
