# New Trigger for Stroke-like Episode in Sturge–Weber Syndrome: A Case Report

**Authors:** Emiliano Altavilla, Andrea De Giacomo, Anna Maria Greco, Fernanda Tramacere, Marilena Quarta, Daniela Puscio, Massimo Corsalini, Sara Pistilli, Dario Sardella, Flavia Indrio

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/children12050589 · Children · 2025-04-30

## TL;DR

A 2-year-old child with Sturge–Weber syndrome experienced a stroke-like episode after laser therapy, highlighting the need for caution with medical procedures in such patients.

## Contribution

Identifies a new potential trigger for stroke-like episodes in Sturge–Weber syndrome following medical procedures.

## Key findings

- A stroke-like episode occurred in a child with SWS after dye laser therapy under deep sedation.
- Appropriate management led to full neurological recovery despite initial challenges.
- Stressful events like medical procedures should be considered as potential triggers in SWS patients.

## Abstract

Background. Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare non-hereditary neurovascular disorder characterized by capillary–venous malformations on the face, ocular vascular anomalies, and leptomeningeal capillary–venous malformations. Patients with SWS often experience cerebral perfusion impairment, increasing their risk for stroke-like episodes, seizures, and motor and cognitive impairments. Methods. We report the case of a 2-year-old boy diagnosed with SWS who developed a stroke-like episode following dye laser therapy under deep sedation. Results. Despite initial diagnostic challenges and persistent seizures, appropriate management led to full neurological recovery. Conclusions. This case highlights the importance of considering stroke-like episodes in children with SWS after stressful events such as medical procedures.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Sturge–Weber syndrome (MONDO:0008501)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** SWS (MESH:D013341), capillary-venous malformations (OMIM:163000), cerebral perfusion impairment (MESH:D002547), ocular vascular anomalies (MESH:D005124), motor and cognitive impairments (MESH:D003072), Stroke (MESH:D020521), hereditary neurovascular disorder (MESH:D009386), seizures (MESH:D012640)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12109924/full.md

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12109924/full.md

## References

75 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12109924/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12109924