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[Patients with transient ischemic attacks. Their cardiac status and its prognostic significance].

In 51 consecutive patients with acute transitory cerebral ischaemia cross-sectional echocardiograms, 24-hour electrocardiograms (ECG) and exercise ECGs were recorded. The subsequent observation period averaged 13 (3-30) months. The echocardiogram was abnormal in 27 of 46 patients (58%). A holosystolic mitral-valve prolapse was found in eight: cerebral ischaemia recurred in five. There was no correlation between arrhythmias in the 24-hour ECG and renewed cerebral ischaemia. In addition to the 14 patients who--according to history and resting ECG--had already had a myocardial infarction, the exercise ECG revealed probably coronary heart disease in a further 11, i.e. half of the patients had coronary heart disease. Renewed attacks of cerebral ischaemia occurred in 13 patients during the follow-up period; four patients died, all of them also having had coronary heart disease. Because of the high prevalence of coronary heart disease (often previously undiagnosed) in the whole group, routine exercise ECGs are recommended for patients with transitory ischaemic attacks, protracted ischaemic neurological deficit or "minimal stroke", while 24-hour ECG monitoring does not seem essential. Randomized trials are needed to determine whether patients with cerebral ischaemia and echocardiographic evidence of mitral-valve prolapse should be treated prophylactically.

Adult↗

Accuracy of paramedic identification of stroke and transient ischemic attack in the field.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of acute stroke identification by paramedics in an urban emergency medical services system. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patient encounters by paramedics resulting in transport to two university hospitals during a six-month period. Subjects were identified by paramedic coding of stroke/transient ischemic attach (TIA) or final hospital discharge ICD-9 diagnosis of acute stroke and TIA. The sensitivity and positive predictive value for paramedic identification of stroke were calculated, and the time intervals from symptom onset to various points along the patients' prehospital and hospital courses were identified. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were identified, of whom 81 met the diagnosis of acute stroke or TIA. Paramedics identified 49 of these 81 patients (sensitivity 61%). Fifteen patients were identified by paramedics as having a stroke when the patient ultimately had a different diagnosis (positive predictive value 77%) Patients or their families waited on average 2.5 +/- 3.6 (SD) hours before accessing 911, and a mean of 5.1 +/- 4.0 (SD) hours elapsed from symptom onset until head imaging studies were obtained. CONCLUSION: Paramedics in San Francisco County were correct three-fourths of the time when their documentation listed patients as having stroke/TIA. However, they did not identify 39% of stroke victims, a patient population who may benefit from urgent therapy. A substantial period elapses before stroke victims access 911. This highlights the need to develop an educational program for the community at risk for stroke, and another for paramedics directed toward more accurate identification of acute stroke victims.

Acute Disease↗

Very brief transient ischemic attack.

TIA is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. Early diagnosis and management can result in a significant reduction in the risk of subsequent stroke. We report the case of a 54-year-old man who developed a 5-second episode of leg weakness and in whom a tight stenosis of the appropriate carotid artery was found. TIAs can sometimes be brief and have an atypical presentation, requiring a high level of suspicion for early diagnosis.

Carotid Artery, Internal↗

Subdural hematoma mimicking a transient ischemic attack due to antihypertensive medication.

An elderly man had two completely reversible episodes of aphasia, each occurring after taking his antihypertensive medications. He was subsequently found to have a subdural hematoma. The association between subdural hematomas (and other intracranial mass lesions) and reversible neurologic deficits is discussed, as is the pathophysiology of the phenomenon. In addition, the relationship between the effects of the patient's antihypertensive medications and the neurologic deficits in the setting of a subdural hematoma is explored.

Aged↗