Cryptogenic Stroke and Significance of the Patent Foramen Ovale: A Case Series.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Pour-Ghaz I
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6318108 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Cryptogenic Stroke and Significance of the Patent Foramen Ovale: A Case Series.
Pour-Ghaz Issa I Krishnan Rashi R Pierce William F WF Jackson Christopher D CD Bhole Rohini R Seth Ankur A
Cureus 20181030 10
Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and can lead to significant adverse outcomes in patients following the acute illness. Due to this high morbidity and mortality, adequate interventions can play a significant role in health outcomes. Patent foramen ovale is one of the major proposed causes of cryptogenic strokes and can be present in up to 25% of general population. In cryptogenic strokes, the relation of this structural heart defect is inversely proportional to age of patient. ...[more]
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Project description:BackgroundResults of randomized controlled trials (RCT) do not provide definite guidance for secondary prevention after ischemic stroke (IS)/transient ischemic attack (TIA) attributed to patent foramen ovale (PFO). No recommendations can be made for patients > 60 years. We aimed to compare interventional and medical PFO-management in cryptogenic IS/TIA patients, including patients > 60 years.MethodsProspective case series including consecutive cryptogenic IS/TIA patients with PFO at Tuebingen university stroke unit, Germany. 'PFO-closure' was recommended in patients ≤70 years when featuring high-risk PFO (i.e., with atrial septal aneurysm, spontaneous, or high-grade right-to-left shunt during Valsalva). Primary (recurrent IS/intracranial hemorrhage) and secondary endpoints (e.g., disability) were assessed during ≥1-year follow-up; planned subgroup analyses of patients ≤60/> 60 years.ResultsAmong 236 patients with median age of 58 (range 18-88) years, 38.6% were females and median presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 1 (IQR 0-4). Mean follow-up was 2.8 ± 1.3 years. No intracranial hemorrhage was observed. Recurrent IS rate after 'PFO-closure' was 2.9% (95%CI 0-6.8%) and 7% (4-16.4) in high-risk PFO patients ≤60 (n = 103) and > 60 years (n = 43), respectively, versus 4% (0-11.5) during 'medical therapy alone' MTA (n = 28). 42 low-risk PFO patients treated with MTA experienced no recurrent IS/TIA.ConclusionsIn our real-world study, IS recurrence rate in 'PFO-closure' high-risk PFO patients ≤60 years was comparable to that observed in recent RCT. High-risk PFO patients > 60 years who underwent PFO-closure had similar IS recurrence rates than those who received MTA. MTA seems the appropriate treatment for low-risk PFO.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, registration number: NCT04352790 , registered on: April 20, 2020 - retrospectively registered.
| S-EPMC8015114 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and purposePatent foramen ovale (PFO) is significantly associated with cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, even in patients with CS, a PFO can be an incidental finding. We sought to estimate the probability that a PFO in a patient with CS is incidental.MethodsA systematic search identified 23 case-control studies examining the prevalence of PFO in patients with CS versus control subjects with stroke of known cause. Using simple assumptions and Bayes' theorem, we calculated the probability a PFO is incidental in patients with CS. Random effects meta-analyses estimated the odds ratio (OR) of a PFO in CS versus control subjects in different age populations, with or without atrial septal aneurysms, and were used to summarize across studies the probability that a PFO in CS is incidental.ResultsThe summary OR (95% CIs) for PFO in CS versus control subjects was 2.9 (CI, 2.1 to 4.0). The corresponding ORs for young and old patients (< or >or=55 years) were 5.1 (3.3 to 7.8) and 2.0 (>1.0 to 3.7), respectively. The corresponding probabilities that a PFO in patients with CS is incidental were 33% (28% to 39%) in age-inclusive studies, 20% (16% to 25%) in younger patients, and 48% (34% to 66%) in older patients. These probabilities were much lower when an atrial septal aneurysm was present.ConclusionsIn patients with otherwise CS, approximately one third of discovered PFOs are likely to be incidental and hence not benefit from closure. This probability is sensitive to patient characteristics such as age and the presence of an atrial septal aneurysm, suggesting the importance of patient selection in therapeutic decision-making.
| S-EPMC2764355 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Interventional patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure should be performed in patients aged 16 to 60 years (after extensive neurological and cardiological diagnostic work-up) with a history of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke and patent foramen ovale, with moderate or extensive right-to-left shunt. In patients with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke and patent foramen ovale, who reject a PFO closure, there is no evidence of superiority of oral anticoagulation over antiplatelet therapy. Therefore, secondary prevention should be performed with aspirin or clopidogrel. Atrial fibrillation, pericardial tamponade, and pulmonary embolism are reported complications during and after implantation of an occluder. However, these events are so rare that they should not influence the recommendation for implantation. This article is an abridged and translated version of the guideline published in Nervenarzt: Diener, HC., für die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (DGN), Grau, A.J. et al. Nervenarzt (2018) 89: 1143. 10.1007/s00115-018-0609-y.
| S-EPMC7650129 | biostudies-literature
Project description:In the first part of this review, we reminded that patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a slit or tunnel-like passage in the interatrial septum occurring in approximately 25% of the population and that a number of conditions have been linked to its presence, the most important being cryptogenic stroke (CS) and migraine. We have also shown how, in the setting of neurological events, it is not often clear whether the PFO is pathogenically-related to the index event or an incidental finding, and therefore we thought to provide some useful key points for understanding PFO clinical significance in a case by case evaluation. The controversy about PFO pathogenicity has consequently prompted a paradigm shift of research interest from medical therapy with antiplatelets or anticoagulants to percutaneous transcatheter closure, in secondary prevention. Observational data and meta-analysis of observational studies previously suggested that PFO closure with a device was a safe procedure with a low recurrence rate of stroke, as compared to medical therapy. However, so far, published randomized controlled trials (CLOSURE I®, RESPECT® and PC Trial®) have not shown the superiority of PFO closure over medical therapy. Thus, the optimal strategy for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolism in patients with a PFO remains unclear. Moreover, the latest guidelines for the prevention on stroke restricted indications for PFO closure to patients with deep vein thrombosis and high-risk of its recurrence. Given these recent data, in the second part of the present review, we aim to discuss today treatment options in patients with PFO and CS, providing an updating on patients' management.
| S-EPMC5353430 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundReverse takotsubo cardiomyopathy (rTTC) is recognized as an atypical type of TTC. It has been suggested that neurological events are typical trigger of rTTC, especially in young individuals.Case summaryIn this case report, we describe a 16-year-girl who presented with neurological deficits due to embolic stroke and acute heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography on admission revealed a severely reduced left ventricular (LV) function with akinesis of basal to mid LV, but normal contraction in apex. Coronary computed tomography angiography confirmed unobstructed coronary arteries. Two weeks later, her LV wall motion and ejection fraction were completely normalized. Transthoracic echocardiography and transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated no evidence of intracardiac thrombus but showed a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with large shunt. After thorough work-up and brain-heart team discussion, we concluded that the patient developed rTTC due to cryptogenic stroke related with her PFO. She underwent percutaneous PFO closure for secondary prevention with good clinical course.DiscussionReverse TTC is a rare condition. It should be considered in stroke patients with acute heart failure. Quick diagnosis and management with brain-heart team is crucial for better prognosis.
| S-EPMC7891282 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveWe examined the influence of clinical, radiologic, and echocardiographic characteristics on antithrombotic choice in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS) and patent foramen ovale (PFO), hypothesizing that features suggestive of paradoxical embolism might lead to greater use of anticoagulation.MethodsThe Risk of Paradoxical Embolism Study combined 12 databases to create the largest dataset of patients with CS and known PFO status. We used generalized linear mixed models with a random effect of component study to explore whether anticoagulation was preferentially selected based on the following: (1) younger age and absence of vascular risk factors, (2) "high-risk" echocardiographic features, and (3) neuroradiologic findings.ResultsA total of 1,132 patients with CS and PFO treated with anticoagulation or antiplatelets were included. Overall, 438 participants (39%) were treated with anticoagulation with a range (by database) of 22% to 54%. Treatment choice was not influenced by age or vascular risk factors. However, neuroradiologic findings (superficial or multiple infarcts) and high-risk echocardiographic features (large shunts, shunt at rest, and septal hypermobility) were predictors of anticoagulation use.ConclusionBoth antithrombotic regimens are widely used for secondary stroke prevention in patients with CS and PFO. Radiologic and echocardiographic features were strongly associated with treatment choice, whereas conventional vascular risk factors were not. Prior observational studies are likely to be biased by confounding by indication.
| S-EPMC4248455 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Individuals with migraine are at higher risk for stroke, but the mechanism has not been established. On the basis of the association between migraine and intracardiac right-to-left shunt, it has been proposed that stroke in migraineurs could be caused by a paradoxical embolus passing through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PFO with right-to-left shunt in patients who presented with cryptogenic stroke and had a history of migraine. METHODS:Patients between 18 and 60 years old who presented with an ischemic stroke were characterized based on ASCOD phenotyping (atherosclerosis; small-vessel disease; cardiac pathology; other causes; dissection). A migraine diagnosis was identified by reviewing physician notes, and frequent aura was defined if present in at least 50% of attacks. A PFO with right-to-left shunt diagnosis was identified by the presence of a positive bubble contrast study with either transcranial Doppler, transthoracic, or transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS:Of the 712 patients who presented with ischemic stroke, 127 (18%) were diagnosed as cryptogenic; 68 patients had adequate testing for PFO and a documented migraine history. The prevalence of PFO in patients with cryptogenic stroke without migraine was elevated (59%) compared with the general population (18%). Patients with both cryptogenic stroke and migraine had a higher prevalence of PFO (79%). In patients with cryptogenic stroke who had migraine with frequent aura, the prevalence of PFO was 93%. Only 5 patients (4%) had a history compatible with migrainous infarction. CONCLUSIONS:In patients with cryptogenic stroke who have migraine, there is a high prevalence (79%) of PFO with right-to-left shunt. The timing of the stroke in migraineurs is usually not related to a migraine attack. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the mechanism of stroke in migraineurs is most likely because of a paradoxical embolus. Future cryptogenic stroke classification schemes should consider including PFO as a separate etiologic category.
| S-EPMC5915909 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveWe aimed to create an index to stratify cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) by their likelihood that the stroke was related to their PFO.MethodsUsing data from 12 component studies, we used generalized linear mixed models to predict the presence of PFO among patients with CS, and derive a simple index to stratify patients with CS. We estimated the stratum-specific PFO-attributable fraction and stratum-specific stroke/TIA recurrence rates.ResultsVariables associated with a PFO in CS patients included younger age, the presence of a cortical stroke on neuroimaging, and the absence of these factors: diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and prior stroke or TIA. The 10-point Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score is calculated from these variables so that the youngest patients with superficial strokes and without vascular risk factors have the highest score. PFO prevalence increased from 23% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19%-26%) in those with 0 to 3 points to 73% (95% CI: 66%-79%) in those with 9 or 10 points, corresponding to attributable fraction estimates of approximately 0% to 90%. Kaplan-Meier estimated stroke/TIA 2-year recurrence rates decreased from 20% (95% CI: 12%-28%) in the lowest Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score stratum to 2% (95% CI: 0%-4%) in the highest.ConclusionClinical characteristics identify CS patients who vary markedly in PFO prevalence, reflecting clinically important variation in the probability that a discovered PFO is likely to be stroke-related vs incidental. Patients in strata more likely to have stroke-related PFOs have lower recurrence risk.
| S-EPMC3775694 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPatients who had a cryptogenic stroke (CS) suspected to be causally related to a patent foramen ovale (PFO) are candidates for percutaneous PFO closure. In such patients, it is important to screen for atrial fibrillation (AF). Limited guidance is available regarding AF monitoring strategies in CS patients with PFO addressing optimal monitoring technology and duration.AimTo provide a narrative review of cardiac rhythm monitoring in CS patients considered for PFO closure, including current practices, stroke recurrences after CS, findings from monitoring studies in CS patients, and predictors for AF detection published in the literature. To propose a personalized strategy for cardiac monitoring in CS patients, accounting for aspects predicting AF detection.Summary of reviewAF detection in CS patients is predicted by age, left atrial enlargement, prolonged PR interval, frequent premature atrial contractions, interatrial conduction block, diabetes, prior brain infarctions, leukoaraiosis, elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and a family history of AF, as well as composed scores (e.g. CHA2DS2-VASc, atrial fibrillation in embolic stroke of undetermined source (AF-ESUS)). The causal role of the PFO may be accounted for by the risk of paradoxical embolism (RoPE) score and/or the PFO-Associated Stroke Causal Likelihood (PASCAL) classification.ConclusionA personalized approach to AF detection in CS patients is proposed, accounting for the likelihood of AF detection and aimed at obtaining sufficient confidence regarding the absence of AF in patients considered for PFO closure. In addition, the impact of high-risk PFO features on the monitoring strategy is discussed.
| S-EPMC10037544 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Cryptogenic stroke (CS) represents one-third of all ischaemic strokes. Studies have shown approximately that half of patients with CS have concomitant patent foramen ovale (PFO), with clear data supporting paradoxical embolization as an aetiology of CS. This article is the first of a multi-part review and will detail the history of PFO closure and the clinical trials that have evaluated the efficacy of PFO device closure. Data favour PFO closure in CS for reducing stroke in appropriate patients and should be considered as a treatment modality.
| S-EPMC9524620 | biostudies-literature