Sturge-Weber Syndrome and Related Cerebrovascular Malformation Syndromes

Abstract

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare disorder presenting with a capillary malformation, better known as a port-wine birthmark, on the upper face, glaucoma, and a leptomeningeal angioma. Most children develop seizures and strokes, with variable degrees of neurodevelopmental impairments including hemiparesis, visual field deficits, cognitive deficits, epilepsy, and migraines. In 2013, a somatic activating mutation in GNAQ was identified in the capillary malformations and leptomeningeal angiomas of Sturge-Weber patients. In the diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome, contrast-enhanced imaging is essential to the diagnosis of brain involvement. Functional imaging has demonstrated impaired venous drainage and a role for seizures in exacerbating perfusion deficits. Aggressive seizure management is fundamental to treatment. Some data supports the use of low-dose aspirin to reduce the occurrence of strokelike episodes and seizures.