Boston - BLT Neurovascular Collaboration Meeting - June 12, 2026
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Date: 12 June 2026
Boston Children's Hospital (BCH), Boston
The Boston–London–Toronto (BLT) Pediatric Neurovascular Collaboration gathered in Boston for a day of scientific exchange, collaborative discussion, and strategic planning focused on pediatric neurovascular disease. Experts from across the three institutions shared advances in vascular malformations, Moyamoya disease, pediatric stroke, translational science, and emerging technologies, highlighting the value of international collaboration in improving outcomes for children with rare neurovascular disorders.
Key Themes & Insights
Advancing Vascular Malformation Research
Dr. Peter Dirks discussed emerging stem cell concepts in brain vascular malformations, while Dr. Fozia Saeed reviewed considerations surrounding treatment timing for ruptured pediatric AVMs. Dr. Alfred See presented work on downstream signaling in vascular malformations, and Liam Shanahan provided an overview of the genetics of brain AVMs. Together, these presentations highlighted growing efforts to better understand disease mechanisms and identify future therapeutic targets.
Expanding Knowledge in CPA and Vein of Galen Malformations
Diya Desai presented a systematic review evaluating diagnostic criteria for cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA), while Emma Puglisi shared a pediatric single-center experience with indirect revascularization for CPA. Dr. Samantha King discussed a scalable platform designed to identify therapeutics for EPHB4-driven Vein of Galen malformations, emphasizing the potential for translational research to drive targeted treatments.
Improving Outcomes in Pediatric Stroke and Moyamoya Disease
Dr. Jennifer Wu reviewed current rehabilitation approaches for pediatric stroke, emphasizing multidisciplinary care and long-term recovery. Mr. Greg James and Dr. Laura Lehman shared updates on Moyamoya biology and ongoing clinical research, while Mr. Dulanka Silva and Dr. Bojana Rankov Petrovic provided international perspectives on ACTA2-associated arteriopathy and Moyamoya program development. These sessions underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing care for rare cerebrovascular diseases.
Innovation in Neurovascular Care
Dr. Jennifer Quon discussed emerging applications of artificial intelligence in pediatric neurovascular disease, and Dr. Shivani Rangwala highlighted the potential of focused ultrasound technologies. These presentations demonstrated how novel technologies may transform diagnostics, treatment planning, and future therapeutic approaches.
Shared Learning Through Case Discussions
A multidisciplinary case conference led by Dr. Samyami Chowdhury featured challenging cases from Boston, London, and Toronto, providing opportunities to exchange expertise, discuss management strategies, and strengthen cross-site collaboration.
Outcomes & Next Steps
Continued support for collaborative research initiatives across vascular malformations, Moyamoya disease, pediatric stroke, and related neurovascular conditions.
Increased opportunities for multicenter collaboration in genetics, translational science, and therapeutic development.
Ongoing sharing of clinical expertise through cross-site case conferences and educational programs.
Recognition of artificial intelligence and focused ultrasound as promising areas for future collaborative investigation.
Discussion of BLT consortium updates and future priorities to further strengthen partnerships across Boston, London, and Toronto.
The meeting concluded with a Boston Harbor dinner cruise celebrating graduating fellow, Jordan Xu, MD, and providing an opportunity for attendees to strengthen professional relationships and continue collaborative discussions in an informal setting.
