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Apostolos A, Tsiachris D, Drakopoulou M, Trantalis G, Oikonomou G, Ktenopoulos N, Simopoulou C, Katsaros O, Tsalamandris S, Aggeli C, Tsivgoulis G, Tsioufis C, Toutouzas K. Atrial Fibrillation After Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: Incidence, Pathophysiology, and Management. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e034249. [PMID: 38639354 PMCID: PMC11179870 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.124.034249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the incidence, pathophysiology, and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) following percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). Although AF is considered a common adverse event post PFO closure, its incidence, estimated at <5%, varies based on monitoring methods. The review delves into the challenging task of precisely estimating AF incidence, given subclinical AF and diverse diagnostic approaches. Notably, a temporal pattern emerges, with peak incidence around the 14th day after closure and a subsequent decline after the 45th day, mimicking general population AF trends. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind post PFO closure AF remain elusive, with proposed factors including local irritation, device-related interference, tissue stretch, and nickel hypersensitivity. Management considerations encompass rhythm control, with flecainide showing promise, and anticoagulation tailored to individual risk profiles. The authors advocate for a personalized approach, weighing factors like age, comorbidities, and device characteristics. Notably, postclosure AF is generally considered benign, often resolving spontaneously within 45 days, minimizing thromboembolic risks. Further studies are required to refine understanding and provide evidence-based guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Apostolos
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Dimitrios Tsiachris
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Maria Drakopoulou
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Georgios Trantalis
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Nikolaos Ktenopoulos
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Chrysavgi Simopoulou
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Odysseas Katsaros
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Sotirios Tsalamandris
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Constantina Aggeli
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Costas Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
| | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General HospitalAthensGreece
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Apostolos A, Drakopoulou M, Trantalis G, Ioakeimidis M, Koroboki E, Tsalamandris S, Aggeli C, Ntaios G, Tsioufis C, Tsivgoulis G, Toutouzas K. Management of patent foramen ovale; findings from a nationwide survey. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107551. [PMID: 38241951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several clinical trials have provided evidence supporting the transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in selected patients following a cryptogenic stroke. However, it remains unknown to what extent these guidelines have been implemented in everyday clinical practice and the familiarity of physicians from different specialties with PFO closure. The aim of our nationwide survey is to explore the implementation of transcatheter PFO occlusion in Greek clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Attending level cardiologists, internal medicine physicians and neurologists involved in the management of PFO-related strokes working in Greece were invited to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions and was designed to obtain comprehensive data on provider demographics, PFO characteristics, and specific clinical scenarios. RESULTS A total of 51 physicians (56.9 % cardiologists, 25.5 % neurologists and 17.6 % internal medicine physicians) completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 53 %. Cardiologists, internal medicine physicians and neurologists agree on several issues regarding PFO closure, such as PFO closure as first line treatment, management of patients with DVT or prior decompression sickness, and post-closure antithrombotic treatment, but different approaches were reported regarding closure in patients with thrombophilia treated with oral anticoagulation (p=0.012) and implantable loop recorder placement for atrial fibrillation exclusion (p=0.029 and p=0.020). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that cardiologists, internal medicine physicians and neurologists agree in numerous issues, but share different views in the management of patients with thrombophilia and rhythm monitoring duration. These results highlight the significance of collaboration among physicians from different medical specialties for achieving optimal results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Apostolos
- First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Maria Drakopoulou
- First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Trantalis
- First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Ioakeimidis
- Second Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Koroboki
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsalamandris
- First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantina Aggeli
- First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Costas Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- First Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Sposato LA, Albin CSW, Elkind MSV, Kamel H, Saver JL. Patent Foramen Ovale Management for Secondary Stroke Prevention: State-of-the-Art Appraisal of Current Evidence. Stroke 2024; 55:236-247. [PMID: 38134261 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.123.040546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is frequently identified in young patients with ischemic stroke. Randomized controlled trials provide robust evidence supporting PFO closure in selected patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke; however, several questions remain unanswered. This report summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology of PFO-associated stroke, the role of PFO as a cause of stroke, and anatomic high-risk features. We also comment on breakthrough developments in patient selection algorithms for PFO closure in relation to the PFO-associated stroke causal likelihood risk stratification system. We further highlight areas for future research in PFO-associated stroke including the efficacy and safety of PFO closure in the elderly population, incidence, and long-term consequences of atrial fibrillation post-PFO closure, generalizability of the results of clinical trials in the real world, and the need for assessing the effect of neurocardiology teams on adherence to international recommendations. Other important knowledge gaps such as sex, race/ethnicity, and regional disparities in access to diagnostic technologies, PFO closure devices, and clinical outcomes in the real world are also discussed as priority research topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano A Sposato
- Departments of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.A.S.), Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Heart & Brain Laboratory (L.A.S.), Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada (L.A.S.)
| | - Catherine S W Albin
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.S.W.A.)
| | - Mitchell S V Elkind
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health (M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York
| | - Hooman Kamel
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York (H.K.)
| | - Jeffrey L Saver
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles (J.L.S.)
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