LAUSR

OBJECTIVE The best management of asymptomatic moyamoya disease (MMD) remains controversial. In this study, the authors aimed to explore an experience for treatment modality for asymptomatic MMD. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed a total of 23 patients (age range 30-58 years) with asymptomatic MMD during the last 5 years at their institutions. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the surgical group included 11 patients, and the conservative group included 12 patients. The demographic, radiological and clinical findings of the patients were evaluated. Follow-up 13-65 months, the future clinical and radiological progression events were evaluated. RESULTS During the follow-up period, 3 patients suffered from future clinical progression events in the conservative group: 1 experienced stroke, and 2 experienced transient ischemic attack (TIA). Among the patients in the surgical group, only 1 experienced TIA. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients undergoing surgeries had longer clinical progression-free survival times compared to patients in the conservative group (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Surgical treatment may be an alternative choice for patients with asymptomatic MMD. However, the best strategy for asymptomatic MMD in order to reduce future cerebrovascular risks still needs to be further explored.