Does persistent (patent) foramen ovale closure reduce the risk of recurrent decompression sickness in scuba divers?

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-67
Author(s):  
Björn Edvinsson ◽  
◽  
Ulf Thilén ◽  
Niels Erik Nielsen ◽  
Christina Christersson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Decompression Sickness ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Residual Shunt ◽  
Interatrial Communication ◽  
Scuba Divers ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Catheter Closure ◽  
Pfo Closure

Introduction: Interatrial communication is associated with an increased risk of decompression sickness (DCS) in scuba diving. It has been proposed that there would be a decreased risk of DCS after closure of the interatrial communication, i.e., persistent (patent) foramen ovale (PFO). However, the clinical evidence supporting this is limited. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to identify Swedish scuba divers with a history of DCS and catheter closure of an interatrial communication. Thereafter, phone interviews were conducted with questions regarding diving and DCS. All Swedish divers who had had catheter-based PFO-closure because of DCS were followed up, assessing post-closure diving habits and recurrent DCS. Results: Nine divers, all with a PFO, were included. Eight were diving post-closure. These divers had performed 6,835 dives (median 410, range 140–2,200) before closure, and 4,708 dives (median 413, range 11–2,000) after closure. Seven cases with mild and 10 with serious DCS symptoms were reported before the PFO closure. One diver with a small residual shunt suffered serious DCS post-closure; however, that dive was performed with a provocative diving profile. Conclusion: Divers with PFO and DCS continue to dive after PFO closure and this seems to be fairly safe. Our study suggests a conservative diving profile when there is a residual shunt after PFO closure, to prevent recurrent DCS events.

Closing the Patent Foramen Ovale with Amplatzer Devices

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Bernhard Meier ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Atrial Septal Aneurysm ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Residual Shunt ◽  
Catheter Closure ◽  
Pfo Closure

The relative risk of a thromboembolic event is four-fold higher in the 25–35% of adults with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and 33-fold higher in patients who also have an atrial septal aneurysm. The American PICSS trial showed a yearly incidence of stroke or death after an initial event of 5% with warfarin and 9% with acetylsalicylic acid. The presence of a PFO more than doubles the mortality rate in patients with clinically relevant pulmonary embolism. The risk of a PFO increases with age. Proof of effectiveness in migraine alleviation is likely to be achievable in a couple of years – much quicker than in prevention of paradoxical embolism. Percutaneous closure of PFO has been performed with various devices at the University Hospital Bern in Switzerland since April 1994, with over 1,000 patients treated. At the last available transoesophageal echocardiogram, a significant residual shunt persisted in 4% with Amplatzer devices and 17% with other devices. During follow-up, a recurrent embolic event was observed in 1.6% of patients per year – less than would be expected under medical treatment. Several randomised multicentre trials comparing catheter closure with medical treatment have been started. The PC and CLOSURE trials are in the follow-up phase; results cannot be expected before 2010, and they may well be ‘falsely’ neutral because the follow-up is rather short for the low-risk patients randomised. In a matched control study on patients with cryptogenic stroke and a PFO, 158 patients were treated medically and 150 concomitant patients underwent percutaneous PFO closure. At four years, PFO closure resulted in a trend towards risk reduction of death, stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (9 versus 24%; p=0.08) compared with medical treatment. The calculated occurrence of patients with cryptogenic strokes associated with a PFO amounts to somewhere between 100 and 300 per year and per million population, corresponding to more than 10% of yearly coronary angioplasty cases. Coronary and peripheral paradoxical emboli without prior exclusion of competing causes plus the presumed associations between PFO and migraine or decompression illness in divers open additional vast fields of potential indications for catheter closure. Finally, the linearly decreasing prevalence of a PFO with age suggests a weeding out of PFO carriers (unless spontaneous closure is assumed). A PFO represents a lethal threat that increases with age. It can be closed percutaneously in 15 minutes virtually free of complications. The patient can resume unrestricted physical activities a few hours after the intervention.

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale for the secondary prevention of decompression illness in sports divers: mind the gap

2019 ◽  
pp. 625-632
Author(s):  
Martin Vanden Eede ◽  
◽  
An Van Berendoncks ◽  
Daniel De Wolf ◽  
Catherine De Maeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Prevention ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Decompression Illness ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Tertiary Referral Center ◽  
Scuba Divers ◽  
Procedural Complications ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pfo Closure

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure on the recurrence of decompression illness (DCI). Design: Retrospective, observational study with interview and questionnaire Setting: Tertiary referral center. Population: 59 scuba divers with a history of DCI who received a percutaneous PFO closure. Main outcome measurements: Questionnaire about health status, dive habits and recurrence of DCI after PFO closure. Results: A total of 59 divers with DCI were included. The most common manifestations of DCI were cutaneous or vestibular DCI. Procedural complications occurred in four patients but none with long-term consequences. Four patients had recurrence of DCI after closure during a 10-year follow-up. In three of these cases there was residual shunting, all of which were initially considered closed. The fourth patient had aggravating factors for his recurrent DCI. A quarter of the patients stated to have changed their diving habits. Four patients quit diving. Conclusion: Percutaneous PFO closure for secondary prevention of DCI is associated with few, but not negligible, complications. As a large portion of our cohort changed their diving habit after closure it is difficult to ascertain the efficiency of PFO closure for secondary prevention of DCI. However, the study shows that PFO closure does not fully protect against DCI, emphasizing that the relationship between PFO and DCI is but an association. As such it is imperative that divers be counseled to ensure they understand the risks as well as the benefits of percutaneous PFO closure in their specific case.

Patient with systemic emboli in the setting of Klebsiella oxytoca tricuspid valve endocarditis and patent foramen ovale treated with NobleStitch and AngioVac

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. e243370
Author(s):  
John Leso ◽  
Majd Al-Ahmad ◽  
Drinnon O Hand
Keyword(s):  
Tricuspid Valve ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Klebsiella Oxytoca ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Surgical Debulking ◽  
History Of ◽  
Infectious Disease Specialists ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Pfo Closure

A 34-year-old man with a medical history of injection drug use presented with 2 weeks of weakness, nausea, vomiting and septic shock secondary to infective endocarditis of a native tricuspid valve. On admission, CT chest demonstrated multiple cavitary lesions as well as numerous small infarcts seen on MRI brain concerning for systemic septic emboli. Subsequent transthoracic echo with bubble study revealed a large patent foramen ovale (PFO). The patient later received surgical debulking of his tricuspid valve vegetation with AngioVac. Subsequently, PFO closure was performed with a NobleStitch device. The case presented here demonstrates the importance of having a high index of suspicion with right-sided endocarditis and the development of other systemic signs and symptoms. It also underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, surgeons, infectious disease specialists and intensivists in the treatment of these complicated patients.

Is Migraine Associated with Right-to-Left Shunt a Separate Disease? Results of the SAM Study

Cephalalgia ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 360-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
GP Anzola ◽  
G Meneghetti ◽  
C Zanferrari ◽  
A Adami ◽  
L Dinia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Transcranial Doppler ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Genetic Linkage ◽  
Personal History ◽  
Coagulation Disorders ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pfo Closure

Migraine with aura (MA) is associated with the persistence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in about 50% of cases, and migraineurs tend to have larger shunts than controls, suggesting that right-to-left shunt (RILES) determined by PFO could play a role in triggering migraine attacks. Moreover, some preliminary reports have suggested that PFO closure may give relief to both migraine and aura attacks. The aim of this study was to clarify if shunt-associated migraine (SAM) has clinical features that allow a distinction from shunt-unrelated migraine (SUM), in a prospective, multicentre, observational study (SAM study). We enrolled consecutive MA patients, who underwent a structured, standardized questionnaire for family and personal history and for detailed migraine features. All were systematically screened for RILES with transcranial Doppler, and for coagulation disorders. Overall, 460 patients were included; the SUM and SAM classes comprised 58% and 42% of patients, respectively. SAM patients were significantly younger (34.1 ± 10 vs. 37.1 ± 11 years), had a more frequent family history of migraine (76% vs. 66%) and a higher frequency of sensory symptoms of aura (51% vs. 41%); by contrast, there was a lesser association of SAM with other cardiac abnormalities and with coagulation disorders. The SAM study suggests that the effect of RILES on migraine features is not relevant. The higher family history of migraine in SAM suggests a possible genetic linkage between migraine and RILES.

scholarly journals Atrial Fibrillation Following Patent Foramen Ovale Closure

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 1653-1661
Author(s):  
Jessie Ze-Jun Chen ◽  
Vincent N. Thijs
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Percutaneous Closure ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Stroke Risk Factor ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Pfo Closure

Background and Purpose: Multiple studies evaluated whether patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure reduces the risk of ischemic stroke. One commonly reported complication of PFO closure is the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), which is itself a powerful stroke risk factor that requires specific management. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of AF in patients post-percutaneous closure of PFO and the clinical factors that predict AF detection. Methods: Studies were identified by systematically searching EMBASE and MEDLINE databases on July 11, 2019. Meta-analysis of proportions was performed, assuming a random-effects model. Results: A total of 6 randomized controlled trials and 26 observational studies were included, comprising 3737 and 9126 patients, respectively. After PFO closure, the rate of AF development was 3.7 patients per 100 patient-years of follow-up (95% CI, 2.6–4.9). The risk of AF development is concentrated in the first 45 days post-procedure (27.2 patients per 100 patient-years [95% CI, 20.1–34.81], compared with 1.3 patients per 100 patient-years [95% CI, 0.3–2.7]) after 45 days. Meta-regression by age suggested that studies with older patients reported higher rate of AF ( P =0.001). In medically treated patients, the rate of AF development was 0.1 per 100 patient-years of follow-up (95% CI, 0.0–0.4). Closure of PFO is associated with increased risk of AF compared with medical management (odds ratio, 5.3 [95% CI, 2.5–11.41]; P <0.001). Conclusions: AF is more common in PFO patients who had percutaneous closure compared with those who were medically treated. The risk of AF was higher in the first 45 days post-closure and in studies that included patients with increased age.

scholarly journals Five Year Follow-Up of Cryptogenic Stroke Patients Following Patent Foramen Ovale Closure

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Agnete Teivāne ◽  
Kristaps Jurjāns ◽  
Ainārs Rudzītis ◽  
Krista Lazdovska ◽  
Artūrs Balodis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Residual Shunt ◽  
Amplatzer Occluder ◽  
Cerebrovascular Events ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
Pfo Closure

Background and Objectives: According to guidelines, patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is recommended for secondary stroke prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Paradoxial embolism from PFO-mediated right to left shunt has been described as the mechanism of stroke in these cases. The aim of the study was to determine whether PFO closure can be associated with improvement of complaints (headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness, and visual impairment) and determine its long-term effectiveness on recurrent stroke risk reduction. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 patients were enrolled in a retrospective 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. Patients were also followed up for residual shunts 24 h, 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years after PFO. The pathogenic ischemic stroke subtypes are determined using CCS (Causative Classification System for Ischemic Stroke). Results: Male patients accounted for 43.7% (n = 45). The mean age was—44.4 ± 13 (18–75). The most probable cause for cryptogenic stroke for 53.4% (n = 55) of patients with possible cardio-aortic embolism was PFO. Residual shunts were mostly observed in patients with Amplatzer occluder—87.5% (n = 14). There was correlation between residual shunt and increased risk of transient ischemic attack recurrence (p = 0.067). Five-years after PFO closure recurrent cerebrovascular events were reported in only 5.1% (n = 5) of patients, this difference is statistically relevant (p < 0.001). Out of 51 patients presented with complaints before PFO closure, 25.5% (n = 13) did not present with any complaints after PFO closure. Conclusions: PFO can be considered a possible risk factor for cryptogenic stroke. PFO closure is effective in reducing recurrent cerebrovascular events. Residual shunt after PFO closure increases the risk of transient ischemic attack recurrence. Amplatzer occluder device is associated with a higher risk for residual shunts after PFO closure. PFO closure can be associated with improvement of complaints.

Recurrence Risk in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke, Patent Foramen Ovale, and Thrombophilia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (11) ◽  
pp. 1839-1848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claus V. B. Hviid ◽  
Claus Ziegler Simonsen ◽  
Anne-Mette Hvas
Keyword(s):  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Antithrombotic Treatment ◽  
Risk Of Recurrence ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Acquired Thrombophilia ◽  
Pfo Closure

Objective A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is frequently associated with cryptogenic stroke in the young. Endovascular closure is superior to antithrombotic treatment in prevention of recurrence, but in the presence of a concomitant thrombophilia, the best preventive strategy is unknown. This review investigates if thrombophilia increases the risk of recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO and attempts to evaluate the best antithrombotic strategy after PFO closure in these patients. Methods Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched until April 2018. Study quality was assessed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Quality assessment tool. Odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio for recurrence were pooled in a random effect model stratified by secondary preventive strategy. Results Eleven studies were included. Inherited or acquired thrombophilia was associated with an increased risk of recurrence (OR = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44–4.06). Looking only at patients treated with PFO closure, the risk of recurrence just lost significance (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 0.95–4.48). The antithrombotic treatment after PFO closure was heterogeneous and recurrent events occurred in patients with both inherited and acquired thrombophilia treated by antiplatelet as well as anticoagulant therapy. Conclusion Thrombophilia is associated with an increased risk of recurrence in patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke, which may persist after PFO closure. This suggests a need for antithrombotic therapy after PFO closure. Study heterogeneity precludes strong conclusions on antithrombotic treatment, but life-long antiplatelet therapy to patients without preexisting indication for anticoagulant therapy seems reasonable.

scholarly journals Patent Foramen Ovale and Cryptogenic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: To Close or Not to Close? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 193-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Lattanzi ◽  
Francesco Brigo ◽  
Claudia Cagnetti ◽  
Mario Di Napoli ◽  
Mauro Silvestrini
Keyword(s):  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Cryptogenic Stroke ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
Pfo Closure ◽  
New Onset

Background: The optimal strategy of secondary stroke prevention in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) is controversial. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the device closure (DC) versus the medical therapy (MT) in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and PFO. Summary: Randomized controlled trials with active and control groups receiving the DC plus MT and MT alone in patients with history of cryptogenic stroke/TIA and diagnosis of PFO were systematically searched. The main efficacy outcome was stroke recurrence. Subgroup-analyses were performed according to age, shunt size, and presence of atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). Safety endpoints included any serious adverse event (SAE), atrial fibrillation (AF), and major bleeding complications. Risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated. Five trials were included, involving 3,440 participants (DC = 1,829, MT = 1,611). There was a protective effect of closure in the risk of recurrent stroke (RR 0.43 [0.21–0.90]; p = 0.024; HR = 0.39 [0.19–0.83]; p = 0.014). The benefit of PFO closure was significant in patients with PFO associated with substantial right-to-left shunt or ASA. There were no differences in the risks of SAEs and major bleedings between the groups. The rate of new-onset AF was higher in the DC than in the MT arm (RR 4.46 [2.35–8.41]; p < 0.001). Successful device implantation and effective PFO closure were achieved in 96 and 91% of the patients respectively. Key Messages: In selected adult patients with PFO and history of cryptogenic stroke, the DC plus MT is more effective to prevent stroke recurrence and is associated with an increased risk of new-onset AF compared to the MT alone.

Echocardiography – techniques and pitfalls whilst diagnosing persistent (patent) foramen ovale as a risk factor in divers with a history of decompression sickness

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-102
Author(s):  
Charles P Azzopardi ◽  
◽  
Kurt Magri ◽  
Alex Borg ◽  
Jake Schembri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Patent Foramen Ovale ◽  
Decompression Sickness ◽  
Scuba Diving ◽  
Haemodynamic Effects ◽  
Foramen Ovale ◽  
Eustachian Valve ◽  
Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽  
History Of ◽  
Recreational Scuba

The case of a diver with a history of decompression sickness (DCS) after recreational scuba diving is presented. Cutis marmorata, a subtype of cutaneous DCS, has been consistently associated with the presence of a persistent (patent) foramen ovale (PFO) as a risk factor. Diagnostic uncertainty arose when transthoracic echocardiography with antecubital injection of agitated saline bubbles (ASBs) did not show any significant shunt, but the presence of a large Eustachian valve was counteracted by intra-femoral injection of ASBs, showing a large PFO with spontaneous shunting. The importance of proper echocardiography techniques prior to resorting to intra-femoral injection of ASBs to counteract the haemodynamic effects of the Eustachian valve is emphasised.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document