Cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism in patients with Moyamoya disease not demonstrating either cerebral infarct or hemorrhage on MRI

We evaluated the cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism in Moyamoya patients who did not demonstrate either cerebral infarct or hemorrhage on MRI. The subjects consisted of 5 patients with Moyamoya disease (4 females and one male, aged from 15 to 40 years). The CBF, OEF and CMRO₂ of the Moyamoya patients did not differ from those of the normal control subjects. The CBV did increase significantly in the cerebral cortices and striatum, but not in the cerebellum. The TT was also significantly prolonged in the frontal and parietal regions. The cerebrovascular CO₂ response was markedly impaired in the frontal, temporal and parietal cortices. However, it was relatively preserved in the occipital cortex, thalamus and cerebellum. Thus, the cerebral hemodynamic reserve capacity decreased even in the Moyamoya patients not demonstrating either cerebral infarct or hemorrhage on MRI, and it should be considered in the management of these patients.