Abstract P140: Do Perfusion Computed Tomography Abnormalities in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack Predict Subsequent Ischemic Stroke and Cardiovascular Event

Abstract

Background and purpose: To determine if computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP) abnormalities in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) are associated with development of ischemic strokes or adverse cardiovascular events within 24 months. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of TIA who underwent CTP within 24 hours of symptom onset as part of the stroke/TIA imaging protocol were analysed. Abnormality was defined as an area of well demarcated mean transit time delay and/or cerebral blood flow reduction corresponding to an arterial territory as identified by an independent neuroradiologist. The patients were followed for at least 3 months and up to 24 months to identify occurrence of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction or ischemia). Results: A total of 78 patients (mean age 67.60 +/- 15.1 ; 48 were men) with a diagnosis of TIA. A total of 17 patients (22%) had documented CTP abnormalities. Patients with CTP abnormalities were older and more likely to be men. There was no difference in the rates of ischemic stroke (5.9 % vs 3.3 %), or cardiovascular events (0% versus 1.6 %) when patients with CTP abnormalities were compared to those with normal CTP. Conclusions: In patients with TIA, an abnormal CTP does not predict the occurence of new ischemic stroke or cardiovascular events during follow up.