Pediatric sturge–weber syndrome diagnosed by computed tomography imaging in a resource-limited setting: a case report
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Background: Sturge–weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder marked by facial capillary malformations, leptomeningeal vascular anomalies, and ocular complications such as glaucoma. Diagnostic evaluation and management can be challenging in resource-limited settings where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and genetic testing are unavailable.
Case presentation: An 8-year-old girl presented with recurrent generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Examination revealed a unilateral port-wine stain involving the right trigeminal distribution and gingiva, along with decreased visual acuity and elevated intraocular pressure consistent with secondary glaucoma. Non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) showed gyriform cortical–subcortical calcifications with a tram-track appearance and right hemispheric atrophy, supporting the diagnosis of Sturge–Weber Syndrome. The patient was treated with valproic acid and topical timolol, resulting in good seizure control and improvement in ocular symptoms. She remains under regular pediatric and ophthalmologic follow-up.
Conclusions: This case demonstrates that clinical recognition combined with characteristic CT findings allows reliable diagnosis of SWS in the absence of MRI or genetic testing. Medical management provided favorable short-term outcomes, underscoring the importance of early detection, multidisciplinary care, and structured monitoring in resource-limited environments.
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