Cerebrovascular Accident in Sickle Cell Anemia:
II. Epidemiology: Prevalence
Children: 5%
Highest risk at ages 2 to 5 years old with Sickle Cell Anemia
A. Silent cerebral infarct occurs in up to 25% of children by age 6 years old
B. Young adult (age <20): 11%
C. Age 45 years old: 24%
D. Lifetime risk: 25%
III. Pathophysiology
A. Silent Cerebral Infarction
1. Silent CVA may occur in up to 25% of children with Sickle Cell Anemia by age 6 years old
2. May present as cognitive deficits or learning difficulties
3. May be prevented with regular Blood Transfusions (see below)
B. Ischemic Stroke
1. Most common in children and teens
2. Internal Carotid Artery thrombosis
C. Hemorrhagic Stroke
1. Most common in ages 20 to 30 years old
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