[Case of focal convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage presenting as transient ischemic attack mimic]

An 82-year-old man was suspected to have experienced a transient ischemic attack since he developed transient weakness in the right upper limb twice. On admission, neurologic examination yielded normal findings except for mild cognitive impairment. Brain CT and images showed an unexpected finding of acute focal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the left central sulcus, although MR angiography and venography did not show any abnormality. T(2)(*) weighted images showed superficial siderosis in the bilateral frontal lobes, which indicated the possibility of a recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage. We propose that focal subarachnoid hemorrhage should be included in the differential diagnosis of transient ischemic attack.