Transient ischemic attacks with normal arteriograms: Serious or benign prognosis?

Of 226 patients with cerebral transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) evaluated with panarteriography, 16 had no demonstrable abnormalities in the aorto‐cervico‐cranial arterial tree. During a follow‐up period ranging from three to eight years, 8 of the 16 were asymptomatic; 4 developed strokes and 3 died, 2 of cerebral infarction and 1 of myocardial infarction. The surviving patient who had a cerebral infarct continues to have TIAs. There were 2 other deaths, 1 from myocardial infarction and the other accidental. Two other patients continue to have TIAs.