Walsh & Hoyt: Diagnosis

The diagnosis of SWS is suspected at birth when a cutaneous angioma is noted on the face or trunk. If ipsilateral (or bilateral) glaucoma is present, the diagnosis is almost certain. The neurologic abnormalities are infrequent at this time; seizures usually do not begin until several months later. An infant with a facial angioma of the type seen in SWS should be evaluated ophthalmologically and with contrast-enhanced MR imaging. If no abnormalities are found, the patient should be reexamined at regular intervals.