MOYAMOYA DISEASE IN BRAZIL

Introduction - Moyamoya disease was first believed to be confined to J apan, but over the years it has been reported all over the world. We r eport seven cases from the University Hospital of the Faculty of Medic ine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo with a review of the pr eviously described cases in Brazil. Material and methods - The diagnos is was based on the diagnostic criteria of the Research Committee on S pontaneous Occlusion of the Circle of Willis. Results - Five patients presented ischemic and two hemorrhagic events. The meta-analysis of th e six cases previously described in Brazil showed that only two were t rue moyamoya disease according to the diagnostic criteria. Conclusion - We can assume that the real frequency of moyamoya disease has been u nderestimated in Brazil.