High-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging identifies ischemic lesions in a majority of transient ischemic attack patients

Ann Neurol. 2019 Sep;86(3):452-457. doi: 10.1002/ana.25551. Epub 2019 Jul 31.

Abstract

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as focal neurological deficit caused by ischemia resolving within 24 hours. In a secondary analysis of a large monocentric cohort of 446 TIA patients, we explored the frequency and determinants of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, 240 (54%) of all TIA patients presented with DWI lesions. These patients had higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and ABCD2 scores and presented more frequently with vessel occlusion and perfusion deficits, but had similar functional outcome at 3 months. Taken together, high-resolution DWI provides evidence of ischemic brain injury in the majority of TIA patients. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:452-457.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain / pathology
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / pathology
  • Male
  • Neuroimaging
  • Recovery of Function
  • Severity of Illness Index