5 year follow-up of cryptogenic stroke patients following PFO closure

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Background and aims: According to guidelines PFO
closure is recommended for secondary stroke prevention in
patients with cryptogenic stroke. Paradoxial embolism from
PFO mediated right to left shunt or cardioembolism has
been described as the mechanism of stroke in these cases.
The aim of the study was to follow-up stroke patients after
PFO closure and determine the long-term effectiveness on
reccurent stroke risk reduction.
Methods: 103 patients were enrolled in a prospective study
and followed-up by phone up to five years after PFO
closure. Standardized survey was conducted about their
well-being, recurrent cerebrovascular events, and the use of
prescribed medication. The pathogenic ischemic stroke
subtypes were determined using CCS (Causative
Classification System for Ischemic Stroke).
Results: 43,7% (n=45) of patients were male. The mean age
– 44,4±13 (18-75). According to CSS 66,7% (n=58) of
patients had possible cardio-aortic embolism (paradoxical
embolism) and 19,5% (n=17) had evident small artery
occlusion. Before PFO closure 91,9% (n=91) of patients
had at least one cerebrovascular event (stoke or transient
ischemic attack) and in five-year time after PFO closure
recurrent cerebrovascular events were reported in only
5,1% (n=5) of patients, this difference is statistically
relevant (p<0.001). 51% (n=50) of patients had complaints
before PFO closure (headaches, fatigue, dizziness, visual
impairment), and after PFO closure this number dropped to
38,8% (n=38), this difference is statistically relevant
(p=0.017).
Conclusion: PFO closure might be effective in reducing
recurrent cerebrovascular events. PFO is a possible risk
factor for cryptogenic stroke in young adults. PFO closure
can be associated with improvement of complaints.
Disclosure: This was an independent study, that did not
require any funding
Original languageEnglish
Pages812
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes
Event7th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) - Online
Duration: 19 Jun 202122 Jun 2021
Conference number: 7
https://www.ean.org/congress2021

Congress

Congress7th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
Abbreviated titleEAN 2021
Period19/06/2122/06/21
Internet address

Field of Science*

  • 3.2 Clinical medicine

Publication Type*

  • 3.4. Other publications in conference proceedings (including local)

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