Brain stem infarction in a 6-year-old boy with Down syndrome

Double Trouble: Stroke in a Child with Down's Syndrome

Down's syndrome (trisomy 21) is well recognized to be associated with several autoimmune conditions such as hypothyroidism, celiac disease, and diabetes mellitus. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an immune disorder, can cause a stroke due to the prothrombotic state. APS is associated with several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic vasculitis, as well as Down's syndrome. Down's syndrome is linked to several other risk factors for stroke including congenital heart disease, moyamoya disease, and arterial dissection. We present the case of a 3-year-old girl child patient with Down's syndrome, who presented with an acute arterial ischemic stroke secondary to carotid artery dissection and subsequently was also confirmed to have APS. We review the literature on Down's syndrome and APS, the proposed pathophysiology, and management strategies. We present a case of a 3-year-old girl with Down's syndrome and who presented with stroke, review previously published cases, and discuss the conditions and their management. Autoimmune conditions, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, are more common in individuals with Down's syndrome, and as such should be investigated when these children present with symptoms suggestive of stroke.