Neuropsychological aspects of the Moyamoya disease: A case report

Abstract

Moyamoya syndrome is characterized by endothelial hyperplasia fibrosis of the carotid artery and its adjacent pathways, and its main clinical feature is the occurrence of strokes. It has a prevalence of 3 cases per 100,000 children in Asian countries, where it is more common. This study sought to identify the aspects and comorbidities associated with the syndrome based on a previously conducted neuropsychological assessment. Perception, attention, language, social cognition, memory, executive functions, reasoning, and processing speed were assessed, in addition to an inventory for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The results showed evidence that the condition may be associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, with below-expected performance in memory, executive functions, social interaction, processing speed, executive reasoning, and visual perception. These observations were consistent with the literature in the field, although it is emerging, requiring further studies on the subject to confirm the relationship between the syndrome and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Finally, guidance was provided on activities and tasks that can be performed to mitigate the deficits found.