Moyamoya is the official medical term for this condition, which is also historically referred to as Moyamoya disease, Moyamoya syndrome, or spontaneous occlusion of the circle of Willis. Understanding the Nomenclature The term Moyamoya originates from the Japanese word meaning "puff of smoke," a phrase coined in 1967 by Drs. Suzuki and Takaku to describe the hazy, cloud-like appearance of the collateral blood vessels on an angiogram. Because this condition was first identified and extensively studied in Japan, you may encounter older literature using the term "spontaneous occlusion of the circle of Willis." Synonyms and Classification While Moyamoya is the globally accepted clinical term, you may see it categorized differently depending on whether it is primary (idiopathic) or secondary (associated with another condition like Down syndrome, sickle cell disease, or neurofibromatosis type 1): Moyamoya disease: Refers to the idiopathic form where the narrowing of the arteries occurs without a known underlying cause. Moyamoya syndrome: Used when the characteristic vascular changes occur in association with other systemic diseases or clinical conditions. ICD-10/11: Classified under codes related to other cerebrovascular diseases (e.g., I67.5). OMIM: Indexed as #252350 for the hereditary form. Orphanet: Listed as ORPHA:593, ensuring standardized international tracking for Moyamoya patients. Why Multiple Names Exist The variety of names stems from the evolution of diagnostic imaging. Before high-resolution angiography, physicians used descriptive terms based on the anatomical location of the stenosis. Today, medical professionals prefer the term Moyamoya because it is internationally recognized and facilitates clear communication across diverse healthcare systems. Understanding these synonyms is vital for patients when reviewing older medical records or searching international databases, as researchers may use these terms interchangeably to describe the same underlying vascular pathology. Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. References NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Moyamoya disease Orphanet: Moyamoya disease (ORPHA:593) OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man): Moyamoya disease 1 (#252350)

Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06

Moyamoya is the official medical term for this condition, which is also historically referred to as Moyamoya disease, Moyamoya syndrome, or spontaneous occlusion of the circle of Willis. Understanding the Nomenclature The term Moyamoya originates from the Japanese word meaning "puff of smoke," a phrase coined in 1967 by Drs. Suzuki and Takaku to describe the hazy, cloud-like appearance of the collateral blood vessels on an angiogram.

Moyamoya synonyms

Name: Moyamoya synonyms
Creator: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Published: 2015-06-18UTC00:44:02.0000000

Other names for Moyamoya: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.

Moyamoya is the official medical term for this condition, which is also historically referred to as Moyamoya disease, Moyamoya syndrome, or spontaneous occlusion of the circle of Willis.

Understanding the Nomenclature

The term Moyamoya originates from the Japanese word meaning "puff of smoke," a phrase coined in 1967 by Drs. Suzuki and Takaku to describe the hazy, cloud-like appearance of the collateral blood vessels on an angiogram. Because this condition was first identified and extensively studied in Japan, you may encounter older literature using the term "spontaneous occlusion of the circle of Willis."

Synonyms and Classification

While Moyamoya is the globally accepted clinical term, you may see it categorized differently depending on whether it is primary (idiopathic) or secondary (associated with another condition like Down syndrome, sickle cell disease, or neurofibromatosis type 1):

Moyamoya disease: Refers to the idiopathic form where the narrowing of the arteries occurs without a known underlying cause.

Moyamoya syndrome: Used when the characteristic vascular changes occur in association with other systemic diseases or clinical conditions.

ICD-10/11: Classified under codes related to other cerebrovascular diseases (e.g., I67.5).

OMIM: Indexed as #252350 for the hereditary form.

Orphanet: Listed as ORPHA:593, ensuring standardized international tracking for Moyamoya patients.

Why Multiple Names Exist

The variety of names stems from the evolution of diagnostic imaging. Before high-resolution angiography, physicians used descriptive terms based on the anatomical location of the stenosis. Today, medical professionals prefer the term Moyamoya because it is internationally recognized and facilitates clear communication across diverse healthcare systems. Understanding these synonyms is vital for patients when reviewing older medical records or searching international databases, as researchers may use these terms interchangeably to describe the same underlying vascular pathology.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.