Cranial Computed Tomographic Findings in Transient Ischemic Attack Patients
Janpreeda S, MD1, Kasemsap N, MD2,3, Phuttharak W, MD3,4
Affiliation : 1 Department of Radiology, Chumphae Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 4 North-Eastern Stroke Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke, with temporary disruption of cerebral
blood flow. Despite TIA was only short-time neurological dysfunction, it might cause following permanent brain damage. Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for assess cerebral imaging in TIA, but widely unavailable and limited by
contraindication, hence cranial computed tomography (CT) scan has a role in diagnosis of TIA patients.
Objective : The purpose of the present study was to describe CT appearance, the prevalence of negative CT findings for acute
pathology and review the clinical information of patients whom diagnosed TIA for characterize the associated factor.
Materials and Methods : Retrospectively reviewed medical records and CT findings with TIA were recruited. Correlation between
clinical data and CT appearance was done.
Results : 231 patients were analyzed. CT scan discovered negative acute pathology in 97.40% of cases. 2.16% had intracranial
hemorrhages and possibly acute infarct in 0.43%. The risk of acute ischemic stroke within 90 days after TIA is 3.46%. Significant
differences of the risk factor in older TIA patients are hypertension (p = 0.042), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.008), alcoholic drinking
(p<0.001), current smoking (p = 0.002), and symptom presentation of muscular weakness (p = 0.002) that associated with TIA
event.
Conclusion : The prevalence of negative CT findings for acute pathology in TIA is quite high still remained uncertain etiology, which
should be performed additional MRI for recognizing acute and/or small lesions.
Keywords : Cerebral tomography, Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
