Moyamoya disease is a rare disorder of the carotid arteries - the arteries that supply blood to the brain. The term 'Moyamoya' means 'puff of smoke'. It refers to the appearance of arteries on a cerebral angiogram. The condition was first described in Japan, and, since then has been described in other parts of the world. What is Moyamoya disease? In this condition, the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain become thickened and narrowed gradually over time. As a result, the brain does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood.
To compensate for the reduced supply, the body grows new arteries around the head and brain. These new arteries, also called the 'Moyamoya vessels' try to compensate for the reduced blood flow. However, these new vessels never fully compensate for the reduced blood supply. They also have a propensity to bleed easily. Who does Moyamoya disease affect? There are…
