Patent Foramen Ovale-Associated Stroke: A Neurologist's Perspective.

Paradoxic embolism through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cause of ischemic stroke, accounting for 1 in 20 of all ischemic strokes. Neurologists play the leading role in diagnosing PFO-associated stroke, determining that a cerebral infarct is embolic in distribution and excluding other potential stroke mechanisms. Among patients aged 18 to 60 years old with a PFO and an otherwise cryptogenic stroke, the PFO-Associated Stroke Causal Likelihood classification system should be used to identify the 85% of patients likely to benefit from PFO closure and the 15% of patients likely to be harmed by PFO closure.

Clinical Significance of Mottling Rashes in Diving Decompression Sickness.

INTRODUCTION: Decompression sickness (DCS) is a medical condition caused by outgassing of dissolved nitrogen following rapid ascent by divers and aviators. Cutaneous DCS, historically termed cutis marmorata (CM), presents as a predominantly truncal reticular violaceous-to-dusky eruption. The prevailing theories for its pathogenesis include: localized cutaneous outgassing, paradoxical embolism across a right-to-left shunt (RLS), and brainstem emboli disrupting autonomic control of cutaneous microcirculation.METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of reports of cutaneous DCS to investigate relationships among CM, RLS, and neurological sequelae to better elucidate the mechanism of CM. A literature search examining reports of cutaneous DCS yielded 31 eligible studies, comprising a pooled total of 128 patients.RESULTS: Of the patients with documented workup, 84% showed evidence of RLS with CM. Subsequently 18 patients underwent percutaneous closure of intracardiac RLS with no recurrence of DCS. Of the patients with documented neurological evaluations, 57% experienced both CM and neurological DCS manifestations. The coexistence of RLS and neurological symptoms with CM was noted in numerous cases; exact percentages of overlap cannot be stated due to data unavailability.DISCUSSION: Our results indicating the striking coexistence of RLS and neurological sequelae in CM patients is supportive of the paradoxical embolism theory of pathogenesis. The frequent coincidence of CM with RLS and neurological symptoms raises concern that CM may signify vulnerability to devastating systemic gas emboli. CM has historically been considered trivial and self-limiting; however, our results support reappraisal of its clinical significance and potential reclassification to the more severe subtype.Breen ID, Stepanek J, Marks L, Yale K, Mesinkovska N, Swanson D. Clinical significance of mottling rashes in diving decompression sickness. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(9):695-702.

The pathophysiology of patent foramen ovale and its related complications.

The foramen ovale plays a vital role in sustaining life in-utero; however, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) after birth has been associated with pathologic sequelae in the systemic circulation including stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), migraine, high altitude pulmonary edema, decompression illness, platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) and worsened severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Importantly, each of these conditions is most commonly observed among specific age groups: migraine in the 20 to 40s, stroke/TIA in the 30-50s and POS in patients >50 years of age. The common and central pathophysiologic mechanism in each of these conditions is PFO-mediated shunting of blood and its contents from the right to the left atrium. PFO-associated pathologies can therefore be divided into (1) paradoxical systemic embolization and (2) right to left shunting (RLS) of blood through the PFO. Missing in the extensive literature on these clinical syndromes are mechanistic explanations for the occurrence of RLS, including timing and the volume of blood shunted, the impact of age on RLS, and the specific anatomical pathway that blood takes from the venous system to the left atrium. Visualization of the flow pattern graphically illustrates the underlying RLS and provides a greater understanding of the critical flow dynamics that determine the frequency, volume, and pathway of flow. In the present review, we describe the important role of foramen ovale in in-utero physiology, flow visualization in patients with PFO, as well as contributing factors that work in concert with PFO to result in the diverse pathophysiological sequelae.

The Unique Case of Acute Limb Ischemia in a Patient With a Patent Foramen Ovale.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is the sudden onset of decreased blood supply to the extremities and carries a poor prognosis for the affected limb and survival. A rare but well-recognized embolic etiology is a paradoxical embolism, the translocation of a thrombus from venous to arterial circulation through an intracardiac communication, most commonly a patent foramen ovale. The presentation of ALI secondary to a PFO-mediated paradoxical embolism is most often accompanied by combinations of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and an acute cerebral or visceral ischemia. We present the first documented case of a Rutherford class I ALI secondary to a PFO-mediated paradoxical embolism, ipsilateral DVT, and PE in a 29-year-old female who was surgically managed for her disabling claudication rather than limb salvage. The overlapping presentation of a viable ALI and ipsilateral DVT created a challenging clinical diagnosis. Our review of the literature on PFO-mediated paradoxical emboli involved 43 reports including 51 patients with various arterial thromboses; 19 of these cases involved lower extremity ALI. This case report is the first case to date that demonstrates a paradoxical embolism causing acute lower extremity ischemia with ipsilateral DVT and no additional limb/visceral ischemia to suggest the diagnosis of ALI. We also highlight the role that quality of life plays in vascular surgical decision-making, extending ALI management goals to not only reducing mortality and major amputations, but also improving quality of life.

Determinants of adverse outcomes following patent foramen ovale closure in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure outcomes in the elderly. AIMS: Through this study, we aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of adverse events (recurrent cerebrovascular events [CVE] and atrial fibrillation [AF]) post-PFO closure in older patients with cryptogenic events. METHODS: This multicentre international study included patients over 60 years undergoing PFO closure for cryptogenic thromboembolic events. A dedicated database compiled baseline, procedural, and follow-up data. Competing risk and adjusted outcome predictor analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 689 patients were included (median age 65 years, 41.2% female, mean Risk of Paradoxical Embolism [RoPE] score 4.5). The procedural success rate was 99.4%. After a median follow-up of 2 (interquartile range 1-5) years, 66 patients (9.6%) had died. CVE and stroke rates were 1.21 and 0.55 per 100 patient-years, respectively. Diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 3.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-9.07; p=0.002) and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA; HR 5.25, 95% CI: 1.56-17.62; p=0.007) increased the CVE risk. New-onset AF occurred at a rate of 3.30 per 100 patient-years, with 51.3% within one month post-procedure. Older age (HR 1.05 per year, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09; p=0.023) and the absence of hypertension (HR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.19-3.57; p=0.010) were associated with an increased risk of AF. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients undergoing PFO closure had a relatively low rate of CVE and new-onset AF after a median follow-up of 2 years. The presence of diabetes, ASA, and a more advanced age determined an increased risk of adverse clinical events. These factors may be considered in the clinical decision-making process regarding PFO closure in this challenging population.

Symptomatic carotid webs and patent foramen ovale: RoPE score in competing stroke etiologies.

BACKGROUND: Patent foramen ovale (PFO)-associated stroke is diagnosed more frequently in young patients with infrequent vascular risk factors and embolic appearing infarcts. The risk of paradoxical embolism (RoPE) score is used to identify PFO-associated stroke. Patients with symptomatic carotid artery web (CaW) share a very similar risk profile and these lesions are frequently overlooked. In this study, we evaluate the RoPE score profile in patients with suspected symptomatic CaW. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients with symptomatic CaW as the presumed cause of stroke presenting to 2 comprehensive stroke centers from 2014 to 2021. CaW was diagnosed using computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck & head. Shunt study was done using a transthoracic, transesophageal, and/or transcranial-Doppler with bubbles. RoPE score ≥7 was considered high. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients had stroke from a symptomatic ipsilateral CaW. Mean age was 49.7±11.2 years and 74.7 % were females. Median RoPE score was 7 [5-8], and 52.0 % had a high RoPE score. PFO was detected in 13.3 % of the patients and 20.5 % within the high RoPE score group. Ten percent of the cases would have been misclassified as PFO-associated strokes based on RoPE score. CONCLUSION: High RoPE scores were observed in the majority of patients with CaW-attributed stroke, and it should not be used to differentiate CaW- versus PFO-associated stroke. Careful extracranial internal carotid artery evaluation for CaW is warranted in cryptogenic strokes, including in PFO positive patients before defining stroke etiology.

Retrograde cerebral embolism and pulmonary embolism caused by patent ductus arteriosus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although rare, paradoxical embolism sometimes occurs with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This study presents a case of PDA-associated paradoxical embolism with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and pulmonary embolism (PE) following thoracoscopic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman developed acute-onset aphasia and right hemiparesis on the third day following thoracoscopic resection for a right lung tumor. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple infarcts, and lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasound revealed deep vein thrombosis. The patient subsequently developed dyspnea, tachycardia, and hypoxemia. PE was confirmed by percutaneous transfemoral venous selective pulmonary angiography, which meanwhile demonstrated a PDA lesion. The patient, after receiving catheter-directed thrombolysis and inferior vena cava filter placement, improved in both neurological and respiratory status. CONCLUSION: For an uncommon but potentially fatal case with PDA-induced paradoxical embolism causing AIS and PE, early recognition and treatment are vital. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal management and prognosis of patients with PDA-related embolic events.

[Ischemic stroke due to paradoxical embolism through pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in a young patient]. / ACV isquémico debido a embolia paradojal a través de malformación arteriovenosa pulmonar en paciente joven.

Paradoxical embolism due to an isolated pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is a rare cause of ischemic stroke. PAVMs are abnormal high-flow connections between pulmonary arteries and veins, diverting deoxygenated blood into the systemic circulation and they represent a less common source of paradoxical embolisms, especially in young individuals. Endovascular embolization is the preferred treatment for clinically significant PAVMs. We present the case of a 34-year-old woman with a left thalamic ischemic stroke. Severe contrast passage was detected in cerebral arteries through transcranial Doppler. Intracardiac ultrasound did not reveal a patent foramen ovale, prompting further investigation with pulmonary CT angiography, confirming the presence of PAVM. The patient underwent successful endovascular treatment. It is essential to consider PAVM in the etiological diagnosis of ischemic stroke, especially in young patients with signs of abnormal right-to-left communication. Periodic follow-up imaging is recommended to assess potential recurrence or changes in PAVM, emphasizing the importance of appropriate management of these malformations.

La embolia paradojal debido a una malformación arteriovenosa pulmonar (MAVP) aislada es una causa infrecuente de accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico. Las MAVP son conductos anómalos de alta circulación entre arterias y venas pulmonares, desviando sangre desoxigenada hacia la circulación sistémica y representan una fuente menos común de embolias paradojales, especialmente en personas jóvenes. La embolización endovascular es el tratamiento preferido para MAVP clínicamente significativas. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 34 años con ACV isquémico talámico izquierdo. Se detectó pasaje de burbujas "en cortina" en arterias cerebrales mediante Doppler transcraneal. En ecografía intracardíaca no se encontró foramen oval permeable, motivo por el cual se avanzó con realización de angiotomografía pulmonar, la cual confirmó la presencia de MAVP. La paciente recibió tratamiento endovascular exitoso. Es esencial considerar la MAVP en el diagnóstico etiológico del ACV isquémico, especialmente en pacientes jóvenes con signos de comunicación anormal de derecha a izquierda. Se recomienda un seguimiento periódico mediante imágenes para evaluar la posible recurrencia o cambios en la MAVP, resaltando la importancia del manejo adecuado de estas malformaciones.

[Management of patent foramen ovale in non-cardiac surgery]. / Gestione della pervietà del forame ovale nella chirurgia non cardiaca.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remnant of normal fetal anatomy which may persist into adulthood, mostly asymptomatic. In some adults, PFO may result in a potential for shunting venous thromboembolism to the arterial circulation; less frequently it can cause interatrial, right-to-left shunting of deoxygenated blood. The pathogenesis of several medical conditions is related to the presence of PFO. Some randomized clinical trials have shown evidence of benefit for device closure as compared with medical therapy in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The literature reported several cases of carbon dioxide embolism during general laparoscopic surgery and sometimes stroke after laparoscopic or neurosurgery but there are neither prospective studies addressing these issues, nor randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy or interventional procedures at decreasing risk. The European position paper suggests routine monitoring in non-cardiac surgery of patients with a PFO and no actual indications for closure. This article aims to further stratify the risk of periprocedural stroke and paradoxical embolism in this category of patients.

Paradoxical Embolic Stroke Following Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in a Hemodialysis Patient.

Paradoxical embolism is a medical condition characterized by the migration of an embolus from a venous source into the systemic circulation. This occurs through a specific cardiac abnormality known as a right-to-left shunt, ultimately resulting in the possibility of arterial embolism. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common cause of intracardiac shunting. We reported a rare case of a 56-year-old man on hemodialysis with PFO and arteriovenous fistula dysfunction who suffered a paradoxical embolic ischemic stroke after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. This case emphasized the potential risk of paradoxical embolism in hemodialysis patients with vascular access problems. We aimed to highlight the importance of searching for PFO, as it may serve as a possible source of embolism in these patients.

Comparison of atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale in cryptogenic strokes.

OBJECTIVES: Paradoxical embolism from right-to-left shunt through atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a well-accepted cause of "cryptogenic" strokes (CS). To better understand the pathogenic role of ASD, we compared ASD patients with CS having a high and low likelihood of being PFO-related. METHODS: In the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne, we calculated prevalence of PFO and ASD in CS patients undergoing echocardiography, and calculated odds ratios (OR) when compared to non-CS. Using the Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score, we divided CS PFO patients in high (HL-PFO, RoPE 8-10) and low-likelihood (LL-PFO, RoPE 0-4) PFO-related stroke. We then performed univariate comparison of epidemiological, clinical and radiological variables of ASD patients with both PFO groups. RESULTS: Among all CS, prevalence of ASD and PFO were 1.3% and 36.8% respectively. When compared to non-CS, ASD and PFO were associated with CS (OR of 5.2, CI= 1.6-16.6, and 2.8, CI= 2.1-3.8). Compared with HL-PFO, ASD patients were older, more often female, had more cardiovascular risk factors and silent strokes. Compared with LL-PFO, ASD patients were younger, more often female, and had less risk factors. No differences were found for clinical and radiological characteristics and clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: ASD is a rare stroke risk factor for CS. Since characteristics of such patients lie in-between high and low-likelihood paradoxical PFO-strokes, a thorough work-up for other stroke mechanisms is warranted. Individual evaluation of the likelihood of the ASD being causative for stroke may be preferable over routine ASD closure.

Risk factors for the development of cryptogenic stroke and the predictive value of right-to-left shunt in patent foramen ovale.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the right-to-left shunt of the patent foramen ovale and the risk score for paradoxical embolism in cryptogenic stroke, as well as the risk factors for the development of cryptogenic stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 257 patients with cryptogenic stroke who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from February 2020 to January 2022 as a study group, and 98 patients who were diagnosed and treated at the Department of Neurology in our hospital at the same time and excluded from stroke, were selected as the control group. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound acoustic contrast testing was used to grade right-to-left shunts of patent foramen ovale. Clinical information of individuals who had cryptogenic strokes was examined. The correlation between the right-to-left shunt of patent foramen ovale and the risk score for both cryptogenic stroke and paradoxical embolism was analyzed. The factors affecting the occurrence of cryptogenic stroke were investigated. The correlation between right-to-left shunt and paradoxical embolism risk score was explored. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate each factor's clinical usefulness in predicting the occurrence of cryptogenic stroke. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the history of hypertension, low-density lipoprotein, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen between the control group and the study group (p<0.05). In the study group with patent foramen ovale, the proportion of patients with grades I and II of the right-to-left shunt of patent foramen ovale was significantly lower than that in the control group, while the percentage of patients with grades III and IV was obviously greater than that in the control group (p<0.05). Right-to-left shunt grade, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen were independent risk factors for cryptogenic stroke by logistic multivariate regression analysis (p<0.05). With an increase in the right-to-left shunt of the patent foramen ovale, patients' risk scores for paradoxical embolism increased considerably (p<0.05). In patients with cryptogenic stroke, the right-to-left shunt grade of the patent foramen ovale was positively connected with the paradoxical embolism risk score (r=0.331, p<0.001). ROC analysis results showed that the areas under the curves (AUC) of right-to-left shunt grading, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen were 0.651, 0.871, and 0.779, respectively. The combination of the three indexes had an AUC of 0.908, a sensitivity of 87.90%, a specificity of 82.70%, and a Youden index of 0.706, indicating a high predictive value of the combination. CONCLUSIONS: The right-to-left shunt of patent foramen ovale was an independent risk factor for cryptogenic stroke, which was positively correlated with the paradoxical embolic risk score. Its combination with clinical serologic indexes had a high clinical value for predicting cryptogenic stroke.

Kidney Transplant Recipient With Cerebral Paradoxical Embolism Following Recurrent Idiopathic Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Paradoxical embolism occurs when a thrombus crosses an intracardiac defect into the systemic circulation. Here, we present the case of a 35-yearold male kidney transplant recipient with a cerebral paradoxical embolism associated with a spontaneous venous thromboembolism. This patient had recurrent deep venous thrombosis and showering emboli to the lung and paradoxically to the brain through patent foramen ovale, and we treated him successfully. The role of bubble echocardiography was essential in diagnosis to avoid contrast-induced nephropathy. This is the first successfully managed case of a kidney transplant recipient with recurrent idiopathic deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and cerebral paradoxical embolism. Bubble echocardiography was an excellent alternative to contrast angiography to avoid nephrotoxicity. Vitamin K antagonists are superior to direct oral anticoagulants, especially among nonadherent/noncompliant patients.

[Uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome : Paradoxical embolism]. / Une cause rare de syndrome coronarien aigu : l'embolie paradoxale.

Coronary artery embolism is an uncommon cause of myocardial infarction (MI). Among several etiologies of coronary embolism, we mention a very rare cause which is the paradoxical embolism via patent foramen ovale (PFO). It interests generally youngest people without cardiac risk factors. We report three cases who presented ST-elevation MI (STEMI) due to paradoxical embolism with high risk PFO that can justify embolic infarction. The aim of this article is to define the high risk PFO, to establish causal link between PFO and embolic events and to guide therapeutic management.

Retinal arterial occlusion and patent foramen ovale: A case study-based review.

PURPOSE: To identify all reported cases of retinal artery occlusion (RAO) associated with patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the literature and present a similar case of CRAO from our clinic. METHODS: PubMed database was searched for studies reporting RAO in individuals with PFO. Relevant data were tabulated and reviewed. We estimated each case's Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score. RESULTS: 23 cases of CRAO (n=10; including ours), BRAO (n=10), and CILRAO (n=3) were reviewed. Most cases were under 50 years of age (78.3%). The reported predisposing factors were: hypertension (26.1%), migraine (17.3%), smoking (13.0%), recent immobilization (13.0%), strenuous exertion (8.7%), pregnancy (8.7%), and diabetes (4.3%). A high RoPE score (≥7; suggestive of paradoxical embolism via PFO) was estimated for 71.4% of patients. In most cases, the neurological and cardiovascular examinations, laboratory studies, and imaging were unremarkable, except for the PFO±atrial septal aneurysm (present in 21.7%). In only 28.6% of cases, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (± saline contrast) could visualize the PFO; transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was necessary to detect the PFO in 71.4%. Approximately one-half of the patients underwent percutaneous closure of the PFO; no complications or subsequent acute ischemic events ensued. The visual prognosis was poorer for CRAO than for BRAO or CILRAO. CONCLUSION: Timely diagnosis, acute management, and ensuring urgent initiation of stroke workup in cases with RAO or transient monocular vision loss are crucial. Clues to a possible paradoxical embolism as the cause include the absence of known cardiovascular risk factors, young age, migraine, recent immobility, vigorous exercise, and pregnancy.

Predictors of recurrent cerebral ischemia after patent foramen ovale closure: A single center observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure lowers recurrent stroke in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack with an indication for closure. However, the incidence of recurrent stroke is not negligible and underlying pathophysiology remains largely unknown. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of recurrent ischemic neurological events and to assess its predictors after transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive patients who underwent patent foramen ovale closure for secondary prevention of neurological ischemic events at the University Hospital of Parma between 2006 and 2021. Clinical and procedure-related features were collected for each patient. The incidence of recurrent ischemic neurological events was assessed at follow-up. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 169 patients with mean Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score at hospital admission of 6.4 ± 1.5. The primary indication was previous cryptogenic stroke (94 [55.6 %] subjects), followed by transient ischemic attack (75 [44.4 %]). Among patients with complete outcome data (n= 154), after a median follow-up of 112 months, recurrent cerebral ischemia occurred in 13 [8.4 %], with an annualized rate of 0.92/100 patients. The presence of obesity [OR 5.268, p = 0.018], Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score < 7 [OR 5.991, p = 0.035] and migraine [OR = 5.932 p = 0.012] were independent positive predictors of recurrent stroke/ transient ischemic attack after patent foramen ovale closure. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of obesity, Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score < 7 and migraine were independent positive predictors of recurrent ischemic neurological events after patent foramen ovale closure.

Propensity-score matched analysis of patent foramen ovale closure in real-world study cohort with cryptogenic ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) occurs in 25% of the general population and in 40% of cryptogenic ischemic stroke patients. Recent trials support PFO closure in selected patients with cryptogenic stroke. We examined the outcomes of transcatheter PFO closure in a real-world study cohort with cryptogenic stroke. METHODS: Consecutive ischemic stroke patients who were classified as cryptogenic on the TOAST aetiology and diagnosed with a PFO were included. All patients underwent either transcatheter PFO closure or medical therapy. A 2:1 propensity score matching by sex and Risk-of-Paradoxical-Embolism (RoPE) score was performed. Multivariable regression models adjusted for sex and RoPE score. RESULTS: Our cohort comprised 232 patients with mean age 44.3 years (SD 10.8) and median follow-up 1486.5 days. 33.2% were female. PFO closure (n=84) and medical therapy (n=148) groups were well-matched with <10% mean-difference in sex and RoPE score. Two patients in the treated group (2.4%) and seven in the control group (4.7%) had a recurrent ischemic stroke event. Multivariable Cox regression demonstrated a hazard-ratio of 0.26 (95%CI 0.03-2.13, P=0.21) for PFO closure compared to control. The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) detected post-PFO closure was similar between the treated and control (1.19% vs 1.35%, multivariable logistic regression odds-ratio 0.90, 95%CI 0.04-9.81, P=0.94). There were no major periprocedural complications documented. The difference in restricted mean survival-time free from stroke at two years between treated and control was 26.2 days (95%CI 5.52-46.85, P=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: In this Asian cohort, we report a low incidence of ischemic stroke recurrence and new-onset AF in patients who underwent PFO closure. When compared to the medical therapy group, there was no significant difference in the incidence of stroke recurrence and new-onset AF. Further studies involving larger real-world cohorts are warranted to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from PFO closure.

Sex Differences in Patients With Cryptogenic Cerebrovascular Events Undergoing Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale.

Background Scarce data exist on sex differences in patients with cryptogenic cerebrovascular events undergoing patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. This study aimed to determine the sex differences in clinical profile, procedural characteristics, and long-term outcomes of patients with cryptogenic cerebrovascular events undergoing PFO closure. Methods and Results A retrospective cohort was used, including 1076 consecutive patients undergoing PFO closure because of a cryptogenic cerebrovascular event. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 469 (43.6%) women and 607 (56.4%) men. The median follow-up was 3 years (interquartile range, 2-8 years). Women were younger (46±13 versus 50±12 years; P<0.01) and had a higher risk of paradoxical embolism score (6.9±1.7 versus 6.6±1.6; P<0.01). Procedural characteristics and postprocedural antithrombotic therapy were similar. At follow-up, there were no differences in atrial fibrillation (women versus men: 0.47 versus 0.97 per 100 patient-years; incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.27-1.11]; P=0.095; adjusted P=0.901), stroke (0.17 versus 0.07 per 100 patient-years; IRR, 2.58 [95% CI, 0.47-14.1]; P=0.274; adjusted P=0.201), or transient ischemic attack (0.43 versus 0.18 per 100 patient-years; IRR, 2.58 [95% CI, 0.88-7.54]; P=0.084; adjusted P=0.121); nevertheless, women exhibited a higher incidence of combined ischemic cerebrovascular events (0.61 versus 0.26 per 100 patient-years; IRR, 2.58 [95% CI, 1.04-6.39]; P=0.041; adjusted P=0.028) and bleeding events (1.04 versus 0.45 per 100 patient-years; IRR, 2.82 [95% CI, 1.41-5.65]; P=0.003; adjusted P=0.004). Conclusions Compared with men, women with cryptogenic cerebrovascular events undergoing PFO closure were younger and had a higher risk of paradoxical embolism score. After a median follow-up of 3 years, there were no differences in stroke events, but women exhibited a higher rate of combined (stroke and transient ischemic attack) cerebrovascular events and bleeding complications. Additional studies are warranted to clarify sex-related outcomes after PFO closure further.