Title
Stroke Prevention in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale
Date Issued
01 December 2021
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
review
Author(s)
Thaler A.
Kvernland A.
Kelly S.
Song C.
Aparicio H.J.
Mac Grory B.
Yaghi S.
Publisher(s)
Springer
Abstract
Purpose of Review: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is widely prevalent and studies have suggested an association with ischemic stroke. In this review, we aim to highlight current management of patients with ischemic stroke in the setting of PFO and discuss some areas of controversy. Recent Findings: Upon reviewing the literature, we have found that the evidence regarding the management of patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO has come a long way in the past several years, and many uncertainties remain in clinical practice. The Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score helps to predict the probability of a pathogenic PFO, and recent trial data confirms the benefit of closure in carefully selected patients. The benefit of closure in older patients and in patients with alternate, competing mechanisms is still uncertain, and the long-term risks of closure are not known. Finally, the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in this patient population as compared to other medical therapy or mechanical closure has not yet been investigated. Randomized data is needed to help answer these questions. Summary: PFO closure is a safe and effective strategy in reducing stroke risk in carefully selected patients with cryptogenic stroke in the setting of a PFO. More studies are needed to test optimal medical treatment strategies and the safety and efficacy of PFO closure in patient subgroups not included in prior PFO closure trials.
Volume
23
Issue
12
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Sistema cardiaco, Sistema cardiovascular Ciencias médicas, Ciencias de la salud
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85118331349
PubMed ID
Source
Current Cardiology Reports
ISSN of the container
15233782
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus