A Population-Based Study

Background and Purpose—There are scarce data on transient ischemic attack incidence in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to measure transient ischemic attack incidence and the distribution of the ABCD2 risk score in Joinville, Brazil. Methods—In 2009 to 2010, using a multiple overlapping sources, we ascertained all first ever probable and definite transient ischemic attacks. Results—We recorded 74 definite and probable transient ischemic attacks. The crude incidence was 15 (12–18) per 100 000 population. Age adjusted to European population the incidence was 28 (22–35). One fourth was in the higher risk of stroke by the ABCD2 scale. Conclusions—The transient ischemic attack incidence in Joinville, Brazil, is lower than other well-designed studies. New studies could clarify whether the measured rates were due to underascertainment or reflect a truly low incidence. (Stroke. 2012;43:1159-1162.) Key Words: epidemiology incidence transient ischemic attack Approximately 20 % of strokes are preceded by transientischemic attacks (TIAs) in carefully conducted population-based studies.1 Approximately 240 000 patients have a TIA every year in the United States and 70 000 in the United Kingdom with an overall incidence approaching that of ischemic stroke.2 In Latin America, however, there are scarce data on TIA incidence. The aim of this study was to measure the incidence of TIA in Joinville, Brazil, and to determine the distribution of a predictive score for short-term occurrence of stroke.