Transient Ischemic Attack Caused by Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Transient Ischemic Attack Caused by Iron Deficiency Anemia

Transient ischemic attacks are episodes of

transient focal ischemia involving the brain or brainstem. They are

commonly two to thirty minutes in duration and lasting less than 24

hours. Anemia of iron deficiency isn’t frequently cause for transient

ischemic attack. It has been reported as a risk factor for childhood

ischemic strokes. In the iron deficiency anemia, T‹A may develop as

result of hypercoagulable state and increased viscosity that is caused by

anemic hypoxia that is result of reduce hemoglobine level, seconder

thrombosis and microcytose

As iron deficiency anemia has been reported so rarely in

adult patients with transient ischemic attacks as a cause, we aimed to

discuss the clinical and outcome features of two cases with iron

deficiency anemia and transient ischemic attacks in this study.

Materials and methods: Routine neurologic examination, biochemical

screen, serological tests, vasculitic markers, thyroid function tests,

vitamin B 12 level, cranial imaging, vertebral carotid doppler USG

examination was conducted in the two patients.

Anemia of iron deficiency was found as the only risk

factor for TIA and the two patients were treated with replacement of

iron and antiagregan therapy. Neurological examination revealed no

abnormality through the two years of follow-up. The iron deficiency

anemia may be cause of many neurologic problems such a irritability,

lethargy, headache, development retardation except from T‹A. In the

iron deficiency anemia, early diagnosis and treatment is important.