Abstract:

Objective To explore the classification methods, imaging examination methods, and treatment experiences of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS). Methods Clinical data of PAIS patients admitted from January 2016 to July 2024 were collected. Their clinical manifestations, imaging examinations, treatments, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed, and reclassified according to the COIST etiological classification. Results A total of 27 PAIS patients were enrolled, including 11 males and 16 females, aged from 5 months to 13 years. The etiologies identified were as follows: inflammatory (I) in 11 cases (40.7%), vascular structural abnormalities (S) in 4 cases (14.8%), other definite causes (traumatic infarction) (O) in 6 cases (22.2%), and undetermined causes in 6 cases (22.2%). Arteriopathy (T) and cardiac diseases (C) were not identified in this cohort. The most common symptoms were muscle weakness, dizziness, headache, and decreased consciousness. Imaging findings revealed that the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was the most frequently affected, occurring in 12 (44.4%) cases. Among the 27 patients, 15 (55.5%) received anticoagulant therapy, 14 (51.8%) underwent immunotherapy, and 2 (7.4%) underwent thrombolytic treatment. Conclusion The COIST etiological classification provides clear guidance and holds significant clinical value in etiological analysis and treatment direction. However, further optimization is needed to adapt to broader clinical applications.

Key words: arterial ischemic stroke, etiological classification, neuroimaging, child