A simple self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a population sample of 8,626 (40–65 years old) to identify transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) that occurred in the previous 12 months. This study was conducted in a well-defined, medically controlled geographic area. 75.4% of the questionnaires were returned. The procedure identified 52 TIA cases (43 definite and 9 uncertain). The 12-month period prevalence for TIAs was 6.6 per 1,000 (95% confidence limits of 4.8–8.9) among the respondents. The annual incidence rate for first TIAs was 3.1 per 1,000 (95% confidence limits of 1.9–4.7). Our results differ from those reported in hospital series or in population surveys based on clinical records, with higher incidence and prevalence rates, female preponderate and higher frequency of vertebrobasilar attacks.

The observation of many multiple sclerosis (MS) cases among shoe and leather workers prompted a survey of the risk of MS in this working population. Eighty-one patients with definite or probable MS alive in Florence on May 1st 1976 were interviewed regarding their occupation at onset of the disease. Five of the 41 patients working at the time had worked in shoe and leather factories. The relative risk for these workers was 4.87 compared to the general population and 4.91 compared t o the active population, both results being significantly different from one. This survey indicates an increased risk of MS among shoe and leather workers. Organic solvents, contained in large quantities in the glues used, may be involved in the pathogenetic mechanism through a possible interference with the immune system.

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