Cerebral Angiography in Transient Ischemic Attack

Objective To observe the distribution characteristics of cerebral artery stenosis and the status of collateral circulation in patients with transient ischemic attack(TIA) through cerebral angiography. Methods Cerebral angiography was performed in 120 patients with TIA to observe cerebrovascular stenosis, stenosis degree,stenosis distribution and collateral compensatory circulation.Results Among the 120 patients,cerebral angiography showed normal arteries in 37(30.8%),and cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion in 83(69.2%).Among the 83 patients, anterior circulation dysfunction occurred in 47(56.6%),and posterior circulation dysfunction in 36(43.4%). The incidence of collateral circulation following mild-to-moderate stenosis was significantly higher than that following severe stenosis and occlusion(71.4% vs 41.3%,P0.05). The circle of Willis was the main collateral pathway.Conclusion Cerebrovascular stenosis is one of the main causes of TIA and the circle of Willis is the most common pathway of collateral circulation. The more serious vascular stenosis is more likely to establish collateral circulation.