Moyamoya Center
Conducting long-term research on the natural history of patients with Moyamoya disease and their outcome after surgery
The WashU Medicine Moyamoya Center was established in 2006 following the award of a five-year grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The center is dedicated to advancing understanding of Moyamoya disease through long-term research focused on patient outcomes after surgery.
Built on a foundation of excellence in vascular neurology, vascular neurosurgery and radiology, the center brings together multidisciplinary expertise to improve care and expand knowledge of this rare condition.
About Moyamoya disease
Moyamoya disease is a rare cerebrovascular disorder in which the large arteries inside the skull — responsible for delivering blood to the brain — gradually narrow and may eventually become completely blocked. In response, small collateral vessels enlarge to bypass the obstruction. The exact cause of this arterial narrowing is unknown.
The name “Moyamoya” comes from a Japanese term meaning “puff of smoke,” referring to the hazy appearance of these small vessels on an angiogram.
This condition is more prevalent in Asia, where it typically affects children. In North America, it is less common and tends to affect women in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Moyamoya disease often leads to stroke, although its progression and severity vary widely. Some individuals may never experience a stroke, while others may suffer multiple events.
Treatment is complex due to the unpredictable nature of the disease. Surgical procedures can improve blood flow to the brain, but they carry risks and may not always be effective. In some cases, natural bypasses from other arteries maintain adequate blood flow despite blockages, making surgery unnecessary for certain patients.
Research
Ongoing NIH funded grant to study the natural history of patients with moyamoya disease and their outcome after surgery. (NINDS R01 NS051631, The role of cerebral hemodynamics in moyamoya disease). This study involves measurement of brain blood flow and oxygen use with a PET scanner, and clinical follow up over years.
High-resolution MR-imaging study to image the wall of the narrowed artery. This is a pilot study supported by Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology.