Background and purpose: Not many data on stroke epidemiology come from studies on islands. This is the first report on a Mediterranean archipelago population.
Methods: Using recommended criteria, from July 1, 1999, to June 30, 2002, information was collected on first-ever stroke and 30-day case fatality in Aeolian island residents (13,431).
Results: The overall crude incidence rate was 154 of 100,000 (95% CI, 118 to 197; 128 in men and 180 in women) or 180, 154, and 87, if adjusted to the Italian, European, and world populations, respectively. The 30-day case fatality rate was 24.2% (95% CI, 14.22 to 36.75).
Conclusions: Besides genetic or dietary factors, our results may reflect local, limited possibilities of diagnosis and management for stroke patients.