Objective: To evaluate plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels in patients with atherotrombotic transient ischemic attacks (TIA), its temporal profile and response to folic acid (FA) treatment.
Patients and methods: Hcy was determined in 62 patients and in 69 controls.
Results: There were no differences (p < 0.87) of baseline Hcy in TIA patients vs controls. Hcy levels were higher 4-6 weeks after TIA (p = 0.02). FA treatment decreases the Hcy levels (p < 0.00001).
Conclusion: Hyperhomocisteinemia is a possible risk factor for atherothrombotic TIA and should be measured between 4-6 weeks after TIA. Treatment with FA normalizes Hcy levels.