Evaluation of a CTA-Triage Based Transient Ischemic Attack Service: A Retrospective Single Center Cohort Study.

Objective: We designed a computed tomography angiography (CTA)-based algorithm for patients presenting to hospital with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) which identified high-risk patients, as well as inpatient versus semiurgent outpatient management following MRI, and we hypothesised that this would be effective.

Methods: Patients seen in the ED at the Royal Adelaide Hospital from March 3, 2012 to November 30, 2016 with TIA-like symptoms were assessed for a cardioembolic source (clinical assessment, electrocardiogram) and underwent intra and extracranial CTA. Patients with a referable >50% stenosis were admitted and given dual antiplatelets.

Ischaemic stroke may symptomatically manifest as migraine aura.

Migraine aura is a common stroke mimic. We hypothesised that some patients with typical migraine aura symptoms might have embolic stroke detected as the precipitant. We identified fourteen patients who presented with symptoms consistent with a clinical diagnosis of migraine aura, but demonstrated subsequent evidence of acute infarction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Icatibant as a Potential Treatment of Life-Threatening Alteplase-Induced Angioedema.

Severe orolingual angioedema is a life-threatening complication of alteplase treatment for acute ischemic stroke that occurs during alteplase infusion or in the first 2 hours afterward. Currently, there are no proven therapies, although glucocorticoids, antihistamines, and adrenaline are sometimes used. Intubation is required if significant airway compromise supervenes.