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Open Access 01-01-2020 | Subarachnoid Hemorrhage | Original Communication
Clinical features distinguish cerebral amyloid angiopathy-associated convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage from suspected TIA
Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 1/2020
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Objective
To identity clinical features that distinguish between cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-associated convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage (cSAH) and suspected TIA.
Methods
We undertook a single-centre, retrospective case–control study. We identified cases [patients with cSAH presenting with transient focal neurological episodes (TFNE)] from radiological and clinical databases of patients assessed at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCLH Comprehensive Stroke Service. We identified age- and gender-matched controls at a 1:4 ratio from a database of consecutive suspected TIA clinic attendances at UCLH. We compared presenting symptoms and vascular risk factors between cases and controls.
Results
We included 19 patients with cSAH-associated TFNE and 76 matched controls with suspected TIA. Migratory (spreading) symptoms (32% vs. 3%, OR 17.3; p = 0.001), sensory disturbance (47% vs. 14%, OR 5.3; p = 0.003,) and recurrent stereotyped events (47% vs. 19%, OR 3.7; p = 0.02,) occurred more frequently in patients with cSAH compared to controls. Hypercholesterolaemia was less common in patients with cSAH (16% vs 53%, OR 0.17; p = 0.008).
Conclusion
Simple clinical features could help distinguish cSAH-associated TFNE from suspected TIA, with relevance for investigation and management, including the use of antithrombotic drugs.