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Ye J, Yang Y, Tang L, He L, Zhou M. Recurrent stroke in a reproductive age women with patent foramen ovale. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:70. [PMID: 38273311 PMCID: PMC10809491 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02909-3] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a known cause of ischemic stroke in young adults and combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are widely used by women of reproductive age. If young women with PFO are taking COCs, they may be subjected to a synergistic increase in the occurrence of stroke, though reports of ischemic stroke in this population are rare. We report a woman of reproductive age who was taking COC suffered repetitive ischemic strokes before a patent foramen ovale (PFO) was detected and closed, which may raise concerns in this field. CASE PRESENTATION A 31-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset right upper- and lower-limb weakness and dysarthria for 1 hour, whose only risk factor of stroke was oral contraceptive use. On admission, she was alert with left gaze deviation, dysarthria, and right-sided hemiplegia. Her symptoms improved after receiving the revascularization therapy. About 24 hours later, her left eye experienced sudden painless vision loss. Then the PFO with a substantial right-to-left shunt was detected and then she received a trans-catheter closure of the defect. Over 3 months of follow-up, there were no signs of stroke, but visual loss persisted. CONCLUSION This case of disabling stroke raises concerns regarding optimal management in primary and secondary prevention of stroke in young women on COCs with additional risk factors of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Yang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Muke Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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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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Lantz R, Carnes SN. Know the Risk: Stroke With Patent Foramen Ovale. Cureus 2023; 15:e47447. [PMID: 38022170 PMCID: PMC10660138 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is noted to be higher in patients with a history of cryptogenic stroke, especially in younger patients <55 years old. PFO has shown to be a relatively common occurrence in the population, in 25-30% of individuals. Our case is one of right middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct due to thromboembolism from a PFO. A 44-year-old white right-handed woman with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, tobacco abuse, and obesity presented with complaints of new onset headache, dizziness, and left arm and leg heaviness, suspicious for right MCA lesion. She was admitted with stroke-like symptoms, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 8 for left-sided weakness, sensory loss, and ataxia. Computed tomography (CT) head was negative for hemorrhage, and there was no large vessel occlusion on computed tomography angiogram (CTA). She was aspirin-loaded and started on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Ultimately, brain MRI showed right MCA ischemic stroke, and full stroke assessment showed small PFO on the transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). She was continued on aspirin and clopidogrel DAPT for 21 days, followed by aspirin monotherapy. Unfortunately, her left-sided deficits did not completely resolve, and she was discharged to rehab. She has had recurrent stroke and is currently considered for PFO repair. A patient's past medical history, last known well time, and exacting symptoms with the NIHSS at onset should be thoroughly obtained at the first medical contact. CT imaging should rule out hemorrhage prior to prompt antiplatelet or thrombolytic administration. In addition, when there are absence of risk factors and the cause remains unknown, it is especially important to obtain TTE with Doppler to assess for right-to-left atrial shunt indicating PFO and potentially contributing thromboembolic etiology. Stroke precautions involving swallow evaluation, aspiration and fall precautions, serial NIH for changes, sequence of imaging, and physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) should entail. A stroke neurologist should also be involved at presentation, with the stroke alert protocol shown to improve patient outcomes. Additional risk factors, such as PFO, should also be addressed, often with a multimodal team of providers and careful weight given to the risks and benefits of invasive procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Lantz
- Internal Medicine, Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, USA
| | - Sydney N Carnes
- General Medicine, Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, USA
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Mohan RC, Litwin SE. The Intriguing Links Among Patent Foramen Ovale, Patent Foramen Ovale Closure, and the Risk for Heart Failure. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023:S0894-7317(23)00204-3. [PMID: 37204391 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev C Mohan
- Division of Cardiology, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California
| | - Sheldon E Litwin
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina and Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Regional Health Network, Charleston, South Carolina.
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Chen A, Zhu J, Zhu L, Tang Y, Li Y, Zhang Q, Zhao Y, Ma C, Liu X. Neglected intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses: A comparative study of pulmonary right-to-left shunts in patients with patent foramen ovale. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1111818. [PMID: 37089892 PMCID: PMC10117845 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1111818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectivePulmonary right-to-left shunt (P-RLS) and patent foramen ovale right-to-left shunt (PFO-RLS) often appear in combination, and there are often differences and connections between them. Intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVAs), as part of P-RLS, are often overlooked because there are no technologies to detect and identify them. This study aimed to further clarify the incidence and characteristics of P-RLS with the help of contrast transesophageal echocardiography (c-TEE) and contrast transthoracic echocardiography (c-TTE), providing a reference for clinically relevant research and patent foramen ovale (PFO) management disposal decisions.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated 414 subjects who came to our hospital for c-TEE from October 2021 to July 2022, and all subjects completed c-TTE simultaneously. 7 Patients who were newly diagnosed with an atrial septal defect were excluded. Eventually, 407 patients were included in this study. Among them, 157 patients with PFO (58 patients were treated with PFO closure subsequently) and 250 patients without PFO confirmed by c-TEE were finally enrolled. In the process, we observed and analysed the presence of P-RLS.ResultsA total of 407 patients were included in the final analysis and divided into PFO group (N = 157) and non-PFO group (N = 250) according to the results of c-TEE. Whether at rest or after Valsalva maneuver, the incidence of P-RLS was significantly higher under c-TEE than under c-TTE in the two groups (P < 0.001). For both c-TTE and c-TEE, the incidence of P-RLS was slightly higher after Valsalva maneuver than at rest, but the difference was not significant (c-TTE: rest vs. Valsalva maneuver, P = 0.214; c-TEE: rest vs. Valsalva maneuver, P = 0.076). The Valsalva maneuver increased the incidence of P-RLS in the group without PFO, which was more significant in c-TEE (c-TTE: rest vs. Valsalva maneuver, P = 0.591; c-TEE: rest vs. Valsalva maneuver, P = 0.008). In both groups, the P-RLS semiquantitative grading was statistical significance under different states and examinations (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe vast majority of P-RLS are grade 1–2 and are derived from physiological IPAVAs. Even so, attention should be given to the differentiation between P-RLS and PFO-RLS. c-TEE is an effective method to detect P-RLS; however, the recruitments of c-TEE and Valsalva maneuver to P-RLS should be noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jianbo Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yunyi Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yeping Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Caiye Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
- Correspondence: Xiatian Liu Caiye Ma
| | - Xiatian Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
- Correspondence: Xiatian Liu Caiye Ma
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Kelly MA, Singh J, Balabanov A, Wadina A, Dasovic B. Challenging Cases in Cerebrovascular Disease. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:758-766. [PMID: 36417992 DOI: 10.1055/a-1985-7000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Disorders involving the vascular system of the brain are numerous and sundry. Atherosclerotic thromboembolism of large vessels and lacunar infarctions of small vessel disease are well known. Brain infarction due to cardioembolism is common as well, and even more so when diligently sought. Rupture of intracranial blood vessels results in subarachnoid and intraparenchymal hemorrhage. We present four cases of stroke of uncommon cause and remind clinicians to be open minded to the many possible causes of stroke, in particular because early recognition and treatment is often critical. Case 1 discusses a patient with inflammatory cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The presentation, ability to recur, and current treatment considerations are reviewed. Case 2 discusses microangiopathic thrombotic angiopathy. Diagnosis and treatment are considered. An association with interferon therapy and the evolving terminology of this and related conditions are discussed. Case 3 discusses intracranial hemorrhage secondary to acute promyelocytic leukemia. Patients with acute leukemias require aggressive management of their coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, and the disease itself. Finally, Case 4 discusses ischemic stroke due to a paradoxical embolism in the setting of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Both medical and surgical management of a PFO for stroke prevention are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Kelly
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Jasmine Singh
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Diego Ringgold Standard Institution, La Jolla, California
| | - Alexandra Balabanov
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Adam Wadina
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Braden Dasovic
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
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Liu X, Zhang Y, Xie H, Zeng H, Sun J, Su L, Li B, Xue X, Zhang Y. Change in patent foramen ovale height is associated with cryptogenic stroke and the construction of a morphology-based scoring system. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1010947. [DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1010947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionCurrent guidelines recommended patent foramen ovale (PFO) occlusion as the preferred treatment for PFO-related cryptogenic stroke (CS); however, finding the causative foramen ovale remains challenging. This study aimed to identify predictors and establish a scoring system by assessing PFO morphology and stroke-related factors.MethodsBased on a prospective multicenter registered clinical trial, we compared data mainly derived from transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and clinical history in patients with PFO-related CS and those without CS (non-CS) with incidental PFO. Subsequently, we explored independent predictors using logistic analysis, established a scoring system based on the results, and finally evaluated the scoring system using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and internal validation.Results75 patients with PFO-related CS and 147 non-CS patients were enrolled. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the change in PFO height, large PFO, atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), and sustained right-to-left shunt (RLS) had independent relationships with CS. Based on the odds ratio value of each independent factor, a scoring system was built: change in PFO height ≥ 1.85 mm (3 points), large PFO (2 points), ASA (5 points), sustained RLS (2 points). 0–2 points correspond to low-risk PFO, 3–5 points medium-risk PFO, and 7–12 points high-risk PFO. ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.80 to predict CS. The proportion of patients with CS is increasing based on these points.ConclusionsOur study screened out the change in PFO height as an independent predictor of CS. A simple and convenient scoring system can provide constructive guidance for identifying whether the PFO is causal and consequently selecting patients more likely to benefit from closure.
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Tejada García J, Lara Lezama LB, de la Fuente Blanco R, Pérez de Prado A, Benavente Fernández L, Rico Santos M, Fernández Couto MD, Naya Ríos L, Couso Pazó I, Alba PV, Redondo-Robles L, López Mesonero L, Arias-Rivas S, Santamaría Cadavid M, Tejada Meza H, Horna Cañete L, Azkune Calle I, Pinedo Brochado A, García Sánchez JM, Caballero Romero I, Freijo Guerrero MM, Luna Rodríguez A, de Lera-Alfonso M, Arenillas Lara JF, Pérez Lázaro C, Navarro Pérez MP, Martínez Zabaleta M. Selection of patients for percutaneous closure in nonlacunar cryptogenic stroke associated with patent foramen ovale. Data from the NORDICTUS cooperative registry. Neurologia 2022:S2173-5808(22)00145-6. [PMID: 36347422 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an extending use of percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) as therapy for PFO-associated cryptogenic strokes. The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical practice of percutaneous closure of PFO and to analyse the variables for decision-making on the selection of patients for this procedure. METHOD A prospective observational multicentric survey was conducted using all the cases of cryptogenic stroke/transient ischaemic attack associated with PFO recorded in the NORDICTUS hospital registry during the period 2018-2021. Clinical data, radiological patterns, echocardiogram data and factors related to PFO-associated stroke (thromboembolic disease and paradoxical embolism criteria) were recorded. The indication for closure was analysed according to age (≤/> 60 years) and the characteristics of the PFO. RESULTS In the group ≤ 60 years (n = 488), 143 patients (29.3%) underwent PFO closure. The most influential variables for this therapy were detection of a high-risk PFO (OR 4.11; IC 2.6-6.5, P < .001), criteria for paradoxical embolism (OR 2.61; IC 1.28-5.28; P = .008) and previous use of antithrombotics (OR 2.67; IC 1.38-5.18; P = .009). In the > 60 years group (n = 124), 24 patients had PFO closure (19%). The variables related to this option were history of pulmonary thromboembolism, predisposition to thromboembolic disease, paradoxical embolism criteria, and high-risk PFO. CONCLUSIONS The detection of a high-risk PFO (large shunt, shunt with associated aneurysm) is the main criterion for a percutaneous closure-based therapy. Other conditions to consider in the eligibility of patients are the history of thromboembolic disease, paradoxical embolism criteria or the previous use of antithrombotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tejada García
- Unidad de Ictus, Sección de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain.
| | - L B Lara Lezama
- Unidad de Ictus, Sección de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain
| | - R de la Fuente Blanco
- Unidad de Ictus, Sección de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain
| | - A Pérez de Prado
- Servicio de Cardiología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain
| | - L Benavente Fernández
- Unidad de Ictus, Sevicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain
| | - M Rico Santos
- Unidad de Ictus, Sevicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain
| | - M D Fernández Couto
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, Spain
| | - L Naya Ríos
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, Spain
| | - I Couso Pazó
- Unidad de Ictus, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Spain
| | - P V Alba
- Unidad de Ictus, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Spain
| | - L Redondo-Robles
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Spain
| | - L López Mesonero
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Spain
| | - S Arias-Rivas
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Spain
| | | | - H Tejada Meza
- Sección de Neurovascular, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragón, Spain
| | - L Horna Cañete
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Galdakao-Usansolo (Bizkaia), Spain
| | - I Azkune Calle
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Galdakao-Usansolo (Bizkaia), Spain
| | | | - J M García Sánchez
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de Basurto-OSI Bilbao, Spain
| | - I Caballero Romero
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de Basurto-OSI Bilbao, Spain
| | - M M Freijo Guerrero
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares (RICORS), Spain
| | - A Luna Rodríguez
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares (RICORS), Spain
| | - M de Lera-Alfonso
- Unidad de Ictus, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Spain
| | - J F Arenillas Lara
- Unidad de Ictus, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Spain
| | - C Pérez Lázaro
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Spain
| | - M P Navarro Pérez
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Spain
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Lattanzi S, Acampa M, Norata D, Broggi S, Caso V. A critical assessment of the current pharmacotherapy for the treatment of embolic strokes of undetermined source. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:905-915. [PMID: 35470761 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2071125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION "Embolic stroke of undetermined source" (ESUS) is a term coined to identify non-lacunar stroke whose mechanism is likely to be embolic, and the source remains unidentified. The best antithrombotic treatment for preventing stroke recurrence in this population has not been delineated. AREAS COVERED The authors summarize and critically appraise the currently available evidence about the antithrombotic treatment for preventing stroke recurrence in patients with ESUS. Randomized trials addressing this topic were identified through MEDLINE (accessed by PubMed, as of November 2021, week 4). EXPERT OPINION Recent randomized trials have failed to demonstrate a significant benefit of direct oral anticoagulants over aspirin in reducing the recurrence of cerebral infarctions in unselected cohorts of patients with ESUS. The heterogeneity and often overlap of embolic sources may be possible explanations for the overall absence of a benefit of oral anticoagulants in ESUS as a single homogeneous entity. The results of these trials and their subgroup analyses have provided important cues to understand the pathophysiology of ESUS. They have, furthermore, increased in the interest in researchers in identifying distinct etiological phenotypes within this stroke population. There is a good rationale for ongoing and future investigations in order to tailor antithrombotic treatment according to individual features of patients with ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Davide Norata
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Serena Broggi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valeria Caso
- Stroke Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Retrospective Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2614225. [PMID: 35178445 PMCID: PMC8844344 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2614225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with cryptogenic stroke (CS). Transcatheter closure of PFO is superior to pharmacotherapy for patients with CS or transient ischemic attack (TIA). More evidence is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PFO closure in Chinese patients. Methods This study enrolled ten CS patients and two TIA patients (mean age of 40.8 ± 9.7 y), including seven males (58%) and five females (42%) who underwent PFO closure in our center from January 2017 to July 2019. Baseline data, imaging data, and RoPE (Risk of Paradoxical Embolism) score were collected retrospectively. The preprocedural assessment and percutaneous transcatheter PFO closure were described in detail. The perioperative complications and follow-ups were recorded from all patients. Results Among ten patients with CS, eight patients had a RoPE score of >6 and two patients had a RoPE score of 6. MRI confirmed multiple infarcts in seven cases, and infarct involving the cortex in nine cases. Abnormal ECG was found in three patients and abnormal Echo in four patients. Right-to-left shunt (RLS) was detected in all the patients by cTCD or cTTE. To be specific, RLS was observed in nine of the ten TEE-detected patients. No case had PFO complicated with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). The success rate of PFO closure was 91.6%. No serious perioperative complications were observed. During a mean time of 26.5 ± 8 months (15-41 months) of follow-up, no recurrent cerebral infarction, TIA, or thromboembolism were detected in postoperative patients. Conclusions PFO closure is safe and effective in the treatment of Chinese patients with CS or TIA.
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