Balloon angioplasty for cerebral vasospasm in preschool children

Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage evolving with cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia may increase morbidity and mortality. Treating vasospasm with balloon percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) in adults is well known, but data in preschool children are scarce. In addition, the smaller diameters and fragility of the vessels in childhood might lead to serious complications. This study presents two cases of cerebral vasospasm in preschool children treated with balloon PTA. Therefore, it may contribute to a better understanding of the role of that technique as an effective treatment modality in this population.Methods Balloon PTA was performed in two children (3 and 4 year-old) with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and delayed cerebral ischemia.Results The procedures were uneventful, and both patients survived without complications or new infarction.Conclusions Balloon PTA for proximal vasospasm may improve clinical outcomes in selected pediatric patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the best candidates, materials, and techniques.