Low yield in the diagnostic evaluation of transient ischemic attacks.
Among 163 patients presenting with the clinical features of a TIA, extensive testing identified only 2 patients with nonatherosclerotic causes. We conclude that most patients with a TIA have atherosclerotic vascular disease and that screening tests for other etiologies have a low yield.
Rolak
L A
LA
Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Gilmer
W
W
Strittmatter
W J
WJ
D000465:Algorithms; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000191:economics