Original Article

Echocardiographic, Electrocardiographic, and Clinical Correlates of Recurrent Transient Ischemic Attacks: A Follow-up Study

Authors: Cem Koz, MD, Mehmet Uzun, MD, Mehmet Yokusoglu, MD, Umit Hidir Ulas, MD, Oben Baysan, MD, Celal Genc, MD, Mehmet Cansel, MD, Ersoy Isik, MD

Abstract

Background: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is presumed to be of cardiovascular origin. The aim of the study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and clinical signs for predicting TIA recurrence.


Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients presenting with a first episode of TIA without atrial fibrillation, previous stroke, and uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension were enrolled in the study. The electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and clinical parameters were obtained in those patients. The patients received a follow-up of bimonthly visits and were grouped according to the presence (or lack) of TIA recurrence in the follow-up period.


Results: Of these patients, 23 experienced recurrent TIA and 72 did not; 5 patients dropped out. Independent risk factors evaluated for TIA recurrence were aortic diameter, left atrial diameter, P-wave dispersion, hyperlipidemia, absence of lipid lowering, and warfarin treatment.


Conclusion: Careful electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation of patients with TIA may help assess the outcome of patients and guide therapeutic interventions.


Key Points


* Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and clinical signs should be used to predict transient ischemic attack recurrence in patients experiencing transient ischemic attack.


* P-wave dispersion, left atrial diameter, aortic root diameter, hyperlipidemia, and absence of lipid lowering therapy were independent predictors of transient ischemic attack recurrence.


* Recurrence of transient ischemic attack can be estimated by simple noninvasive tests.

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