Bernard R. Bendok, M.D. , James P. Klaas, M.D. , and E. Paul Lindell, M.D. describe the advances that have been made in diagnosing and treating Moyamoya disease at Mayo Clinic. A multidisciplinary team comes together in one surgical suite to bring the highest level of care and expertise to each procedure.
“Moyamoya disease is probably more common that we realize,” said Bernard R. Bendok, M.D.
“And I think to make the diagnosis does require a specialized team that knows how to recognize the symptoms.”
Mayo Clinic physicians collaborate very closely with referring providers to review potential diagnoses of Moyamoya disease.
historically moya moya disease was thought to be a rare disease confined mostly to individuals of asian origin. What we've learned over the last 10 to 20 years and part due to some amazing research coming out of Mayo Clinic is that any ethnic group can be affected by moya moya disease and moya moya disease is probably more common than we realized. I think. To make the diagnosis does require a specialized team that knows how to recognize the symptoms. It's an imaging based diagnosis. It involves looking at the blood vessels within the brain and it also involves the functional M. R. I. Component. Looking at the phase oh reactivity or cerebral vascular reserve with some of the advancements that we've had like high resolution vessel wall imaging. We are able to establish a pattern that is very characteristic of moya moya versus other diseases like atherosclerosis. In terms of game changers here at Mayo Clinic, we have a number of wonderful technologies like seven Tesla M. R. I. And the hybrid procedural sweet and even the three D. Lab in its integration with surgery. In terms of creating templates for surgery. One of the visions we developed at Mayo Clinic was a vision that would move us closer and closer towards a future where surgery was very precise being done at the lowest possible risk where we would bring the best of surgical expertise. The best of imaging the best of catheter techniques together along with a lot of developing technologies like augmented reality virtual technology. Virtual reality fluorescence imaging altogether. In one surgical suite, we're tackling very complicated problems that are three dimensional problems that are multifaceted problems. But we're making it easier by blending the virtual knowledge with the physical knowledge to deliver the very best for the patient. Hopefully every single time it's a rare condition, a lot of people are very uncomfortable treating. We collaborate very closely with our referring providers. We look to them honestly for how much they want us to do. We're happy to confirm the diagnosis, make our recommendations and hand the patient back to their care if that's what they prefer in a disease like moya moya, that is rare. There's no harm in learning more about this and getting confirmation that that's what you're dealing with. I always think that a second opinion, especially in this condition is of utmost importance.
