# Moyamoya Disease in a Patient With Cerebral Palsy Presenting With Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Hydrocephalus Requiring Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement: A Case Report

**Authors:** Christian P Howard, Kevin Szafran, Jake Lester, Brandt Gruizinga

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.83804 · Cureus · 2025-05-09

## TL;DR

A patient with cerebral palsy and moyamoya disease developed severe brain complications requiring a shunt, highlighting the challenges in managing such complex cases.

## Contribution

This case report emphasizes the rare but severe complications of moyamoya disease in patients with cerebral palsy and the importance of multidisciplinary care.

## Key findings

- A 42-year-old male with cerebral palsy and moyamoya disease developed intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus.
- The patient required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt after an ineffective external ventricular drain.
- Despite treatment, the patient remained in a vegetative state, underscoring the severity of complications in this population.

## Abstract

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive stenosis of the internal carotid arteries (ICA) and the development of fragile collateral vessels. These abnormal vessels can lead to ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, with intracranial hemorrhage being a notable complication. Although rare, hydrocephalus may also occur in MMD, particularly in the setting of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). We present the case of a 42-year-old male with a history of cerebral palsy (CP) and MMD, diagnosed at the age of seven, who developed IVH and hydrocephalus. Despite prior bilateral craniotomy and encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS), the patient presented with seizure activity and was found to have a hemorrhagic stroke with IVH and hydrocephalus on imaging. He initially underwent external ventricular drain (EVD) placement, which was ineffective, necessitating ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion. His hospital course was complicated by aspiration pneumonia and chronic respiratory failure, requiring tracheostomy. Although the IVH and hydrocephalus ultimately resolved, the patient remained in a vegetative state. This report highlights the complexities of managing MMD in patients with comorbid CP, underscoring the need for early diagnosis, timely revascularization, and coordinated multidisciplinary care.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Moyamoya disease (MONDO:0016820), cerebral palsy (MONDO:0006497), hydrocephalus (MONDO:0001150), aspiration pneumonia (MONDO:0000265), chronic respiratory failure (MONDO:0021113)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** CP (MESH:D002547), cerebrovascular disorder (MESH:D002561), intracranial hemorrhage (MESH:D020300), hemorrhagic stroke (MESH:D000083302), Hydrocephalus (MESH:D006849), respiratory failure (MESH:D012131), MMD (MESH:D009072), stenosis of the internal carotid arteries (MESH:D016893), seizure (MESH:D012640), IVH (MESH:D000074042), ischemic (MESH:D002545), aspiration pneumonia (MESH:D011015)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12145884/full.md

## References

7 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12145884/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12145884