Abstract

Moyamoya is a rare disorder characterised by progressive cerebrovascular occlusion, causing ischaemic strokes and intracerebral haemorrhages. Originally described in Japanese, it has been increasingly characterised in the Western population in the last two decades. There is a paucity of literature on cases of adults with idiopathic moyamoya disease within the UK. We report three cases of moyamoya disease in the Caucasian British population presenting to and treated at our centre. A review of the natural history and possible pathogenesis is put forth. Associated conditions as well as the use of imaging modalities in diagnosis is discussed. The extent of imaging in the further investigation of young adults presenting with atypical migraine and neurological deficit is also debated.