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Extracranial arterial aneurysms: a cause of crescendo transient ischaemic attacks
1Department of Surgery, Stirling Royal Infirmary, Livilands, Stirling FK8 2AU, UK.
Insights
Crescendo transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) are a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization and anticoagulation. Extracranial aneurysmal disease is a critical cause to consider in patients presenting with these symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
Background:
- Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) are warning signs of potential stroke.
- Crescendo TIAs indicate a high risk of imminent stroke.
- Extracranial arterial disease can lead to cerebrovascular events.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with crescendo transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs).
- All patients had atherosclerotic aneurysmal disease in their extracranial arteries.
- These aneurysms were identified as the likely cause of the TIAs.
Findings:
- Atherosclerotic aneurysmal disease of the extracranial circulation is a significant cause of crescendo TIAs.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing patients with crescendo TIAs.
- Urgent hospitalisation, assessment, and anticoagulant therapy are indicated.
Implications:
- Clinicians must consider and exclude extracranial aneurysmal disease in patients with crescendo TIAs.
- Early identification of extracranial aneurysms can prevent major stroke events.
- This highlights the importance of comprehensive vascular assessment in TIA patients.
Abstract:
Crescendo transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) should be regarded as a medical emergency. Patients require hospitalisation with urgent assessment and symptom control with anticoagulant therapy. We report on three patients, all of whom had atherosclerotic aneurysmal disease of the extracranial arterial circulation who presented with crescendo TIAs. The possibility of extracranial aneurysmal disease should always be considered and excluded.