Epidemiology of Transient Ischemic Attacks Using Time- or Tissue-Based Definitions

Background and Purpose—Transient ischemic attack (TIA) epidemiology may have changed in recent years as a consequence of improved identification and treatment of vascular risk factors. Our aim was to provide updated information about TIA epidemiology in Italy. Methods—Cases of first-ever TIA were ascertained from January 1, 2011, until December 31, 2012, in a population-based prospective registry. All residents in the L’Aquila district with an incident TIA were included and followed up to 2 years after the event. Outcome events were recurrent TIA, nonfatal and fatal stroke, nonfatal and fatal myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality. Results—A total of 210 patients with a TIA according to the traditional time-based definition were included (51.4% women); 151 patients (71.9%) with transient symptoms and negative brain neuroimaging were broadly considered as tissue-based TIA, 29 patients (13.8%) had transient symptoms and evidence of a congruous acute ischemic lesion, and 30 patients (14.3%) had an ac...