This chapter explores the relationship of stroke with Susac's syndrome. In Susac's syndrome, diagnostic signs involve the retina. Fundoscopic examination shows arteriolar occlusions with narrowing of arterioles, as well as signs of other ischemic changes in the affected vascular area, such as edema and increased vascular permeability. Fluorescein angiography is often helpful in showing the vascular occlusions and leaking into the retina. Magnetic resonace imaging (MRI) is the neuroimaging study of choice and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) a sensitive sequence for detecting lesions of Susac's syndrome as well as to show their heterogeneity. Small-vessel diseases are responsible for a large amount of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes as well as encephalopathies including Susac's syndrome. Misdiagnoses include multiple sclerosis, but differential diagnosis must be done with all causes of multifocal neurologic symptoms with hearing and/or visual loss. Calcium channel blockers (nimodipine), anticoagulants, and aspirin may be useful in treatment.

The epidermal nevus syndrome refers to the association of any epidermal nevus with extracutaneous abnormalities. The most common extracutaneous abnormalities are neurologic, skeletal, and ocular, although other organs may also be involved. Widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has resulted in an increasing appreciation of the role of cortical malformations in patients with neurological symptoms. Strokes and vascular abnormalities have been reported in patients with the epidermal nevus syndrome. Arteriovenous malformations and leptomeningeal angiomas have been found in some patients with the epidermal nevus syndrome. Generally, the diagnosis of an epidermal nevus is not in doubt. If there are any doubts, a skin biopsy should be obtained. Treatment of the nevus with dermabrasion, diathermy, laser treatment, and cryotherapy is associated with a fairly high risk of recurrence of the nevus. Focal resection of the epidermal nevus before puberty is advised because of the increased risk of tumor development.