Multiple paradoxical embolisms caused by central venous catheter thrombus passing through a patent foramen ovale: A case report

BACKGROUND To date,this is the first case of a paradoxical embolism(PDE)that concurrently manifested in the coronary and lower limb arteries and was secondary to a central venous catheter(CVC)thrombus via a patent foramen ovale(PFO).CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of simultaneous coronary and lower limb artery embolism in a PFO patient carrier of a CVC.The patient presented to the hospital with acute chest pain and lower limb fatigue.Doppler ultrasound showed a large thrombus in the right internal jugular vein,precisely at the tip of the CVC.Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the existence of a PFO,with inducible right-to-left shunting by the Valsalva maneuver.The patient was administered an extended course of anticoagulation therapy,and then the CVC was successfully removed.Percutaneous PFO closure was not undertaken.There was no recurrence during follow-up.CONCLUSION Thus,CVC-associated thrombosis is a potential source for multiple PDE in PFO patients.

Total colectomy in a colon cancer patient with patent foramen ovale:a case of surgical and anesthetic challenges

A patent foramen ovale(PFO)is a clinical condition linked to ischemic stroke,aura migraine,and other pathologies.Current medical consensus posits that PFO closure may mitigate the risk of recurrent strokes.This case report details the management of a 61-year-old female diagnosed with colon cancer for one month.Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography indicated a potential left-to-right shunt through the foramen ovale and mild regurgitation of both the mitral and aortic valves.The patient’s history revealed previous left-sided migraines,and a review of her medical records disclosed multifocal cerebral infarctions identified by a head CT.A pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography suggested embolization in the anterior branch of the right upper pulmonary artery and several branches of the right lower lung’s posterior and lateral basilar artery,along with thickening of the trunk canals of the pulmonary arteries.After a thorough assessment and extensive consultation with the surgical team,the procedure was transitioned from a laparoscopic radical resection to an open total colectomy.Anesthesia induction required careful avoidance of hypoxia,breath-holding,and coughing.Vigilant management of respiratory and circulatory functions was crucial during periods prone to intraoperative embolism formation.Postoperatively,attention was given to the stabilization of respiratory and circulatory functions during extubation,ensuring adequate sputum suction to prevent choking and close monitoring of breathing to avert airway obstruction post-extubation.Additionally,the patient was closely monitored for postoperative nausea and vomiting,a high-risk condition for this patient cohort.Strategies were implemented to minimize the risk of right-to-left shunting,ensuring the patient’s vital signs remained stable throughout the perioperative period.The patient was discharged safely after a 10-day recovery.For patients with cancer and PFO,comprehensive risk assessment and meticulous safety management are paramount.This case confirms the patient’s history of patent foramen ovale through the association between some atypical symptoms such as migraine,pulmonary embolism and cerebral infarction,which provides guidance for the management of anesthesia in the perioperative period,offering significant clinical implications.

Safety and Efficacy of Biodegradable Patent Foramen Ovale Occluder in Patients with Migraine:A Clinical Trial

Background:Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale(PFO)has been widely accepted as a highly effective way to treat high-risk PFO-related diseases.However,traditional non-degradable occluders made of metal alloys will permanently exist in the body,resulting in thrombosis,valve damage,hemolysis,arrhythmia,or other complications.The biodegradable PFO occluder developed by Shanghai Mallow Medical Instrument Co.,Ltd.,China can be fully absorbed and degrade into nontoxic ingredients,reducing postoperative complications.Objectives:To study the safety and efficacy of biodegradable PFO occluders in treating PFO.Methods:This single-center clinical trial collected 30 patients treated with a biodegradable PFO occluder.The follow-up period lasted 12 months to analyze the echocardiographic characteristics and headache relief through HIT-6 scores.Results:The immediate success rate was 100%,with no intraoperative severe occlusion-related complications.The contrast transcranial Doppler(cTCD)at 12 months showed that all patients’right-to-left shunts(RLS)were grade I or 0 with no serious postoperative complications,indicating the overall success rate was 100%.The biodegradable PFO occluder mostly degraded six months after the occlusion.Conclusion:PFO closure with a Mallow biodegradable occluder is safe and effective and has no severe complications.

Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome in an Elderly Patient Treated with Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Platypnea-Orthodeoxia syndrome is characterized by dyspnea and hypoxia in the upright position, usually improving in the supine position. Two components are required: an interatrial or intrapulmonary shunt, and a functional component. Diagnosis is made by contrast ultrasonography. We report a case of Platypnea-Orthodeoxia syndrome revealed by positional dyspnea in an 87-year-old patient. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary profile of this syndrome. Case Presentation: This is an 87-year-old patient with a history of pulmonary embolism (PE) and stroke. He was seen for dyspnea and desaturation in orthostatism, revealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Progression was favorable after closure of the PFO. Conclusion: Platypnea-Orthodeoxia syndrome may be presented as simple exertional dyspnea. The clinician should check for improvement in symptoms and/or oxygenation during decubitus. Definitive treatment consists of percutaneous closure of the shunt.

A NOMENCLATURAL STUDY ON THE SUPRAORBITAL AND MEDIAL FRONTAL INCISURA OR FORAMEN OF THE UNEARTHED MODERN CHINESE ADULT CRANIA IN XI'AN REGION

The minor skeletal variations are very common on the supraorbital margin, and theirnomenclature still remains a problem. In this study, we adopted the term of supraorbltal and m.dialfrontal incisura or foramen as well as major incisura. We observed 190 cases (118 males. 72females) or unearted modern Chinese adult crania in Xi'an region, and obtained 6 types. Their incisurae were round more than foramina, and the difference of side and sex was analysed. The frequencies or the supraorbital and medial frontal incisura or foramen, and the Percentage of the ratiobetween the number of foramina and incisurae were compared respectively with those of population inother regions. For the first time, the percentage which was also termed supraorbltal and medialfrontal foramen-incisura index was put forwaed. It is or a better statistical value for race and population studies.

Applied anatomy of intrusive operations of lumbar intervertebral foramen

Objective:To provide anatomical datum for intrusive operations of lumbar intervertebral foramen,especially that using acupuncture-knife as intrusive tool.Methods:To dissect 10 antisepsis cadavers and observe the exposed blood vessels,ligaments,nerves and their adjacent relations in L1/2~L5/S1intervertebral foramen.Results:Lumbar intervertebral foramen exit zones were almost sealed by nerves and blood vessels.There were two zones with relatively no blood vessel and nerve(triangular working zones)located in the midpoint of the distance between two adjacent roots of transverse processus,and clung to lamina of vertebral arch,and they were also found upon the margo superior of the root of transverse processus,but the ascending lumbar vein or(and)the rami anastomoticus between the remi inferior of intervertebral vein and lumbar veins were observed in 12%triangular working zones upon the margo superior of root of transverse processus.Conclusions:"Triangular working zone"was relatively avascular zone.Pay attention to the possibilty of presence of blood vessels on the entrance passage of intrusive operations on lumbar side rear.The needlepoint should be pierced at the midpoint of the distance between two adjacent roots of transverse processus and cling to the outer edge of lamina of vertebral arch when doing the foraminal lumbar puncture.As lumbar intervertebral foramina exit zone was almost sealed by nerves and blood vessels,blind incising and debonding with acupuncture-knife in this area was relatively much more dangerous.

Novel way of patent foramen ovale detection and percutaneous closure by intracardiac echocardiography:A case report

BACKGROUND Patent foramen ovale(PFO)is the most common congenital heart disease and is associated with several diseases,including stroke and migraine.PFO diagnosis involves transoesophageal echocardiography,transthoracic echocardiography,and transcranial Doppler.Recent studies have shown that intracardiac echocardiography(ICE)can be used to diagnose and guide percutaneous transcatheter closure.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old male presented with paroxysmal dizziness and limb weakness for the past 3 mo.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a history of stroke,and a bubble test revealed the presence of PFO.The patient was then transferred to our hospital for PFO closure.Under ICE guidance,the separation of the septum primum and septum secundum was unclear;we then used a Swartz catheter to confirm PFO by applying physical pressure on the right part of the atrial septum without using any contrast.The ICE continuously and clearly guided the procedure.CONCLUSION ICE can guide PFO closure in patients with a history of stroke.When PFO is not evident under ICE,a Swartz catheter can be used.

Patent foramen ovale closure reduces recurrent stroke risk in cryptogenic stroke:A systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM To investigate if patent foramen ovale(PFO) closure device reduces the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with cryptogenic stroke.METHODS We searched five databases-Pub Med,EMBASE,Cochrane,CINAHL and Web-of-Science and clinicaltrials.gov from January 2000 to September 2017 for randomized trials comparing PFO closure to medical therapy in cryptogenic stroke.Heterogeneity was determined using Cochrane's Q statistics.Random effects model was used.RESULTS Five randomized controlled trials with 3440 patients were included in the analysis.Mean follow-up was 50 ± 20 mo.PFO closure was associated with a 41% reduction in incidence of recurrent strokes when compared to medical therapy alone in patients with cryptogenic stroke [risk ratio(RR): 0.59,95%CI: 0.40-0.87,P = 0.008].Atrial fibrillation was higher with device closure when compared to medical therapy alone(RR: 4.97,95%CI: 2.22-11.11,P < 0.001).There was no difference between the two groups with respect to all-cause mortality,major bleeding or adverse events.CONCLUSION PFO device closure in appropriately selected patients with moderate to severe right-to-left shunt and/or atrial septal aneurysm shows benefit with respect to recurrent strokes,particularly in younger patients.Further studies are essential to evaluate the impact of higher incidence of atrial fibrillation seen with the PFO closure device on long-term mortality and stroke rates.

Clinical relevance of atrial septal aneurysm and patent foramen ovale with migraine

AIM To test the potential association between atrial septal aneurysm(ASA) and migraine in patent foramen ovale(PFO) closure patients through an observational, singlecenter, case-controlled study.METHODS We studied a total of 450 migraineurs who had rightto-left shunts and underwent PFO closure in a retrospective single-center non-randomized registry from February 2012 to October 2016 on the condition that they were aged 18-45 years old. Migraine was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3^(rd) edition and evaluated using the Headache Impact Test-6(HIT-6). All patients underwent preoperative transesophageal echocardiography, contrast transthoracic echocardiography, and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examinations, with subsequent fluoroscopy-guided PFO closure. Based on whether they have ASA or not, the patients were divided into two groups: A(PFO with ASA, n = 80) and B(PFO without ASA, n = 370). Baseline characteristics and procedural and follow-up data were reviewed. RESULTS Compared to group B, group A had an increased frequency of ischemic lesions(11.3% vs 6.2%, P = 0.038) and migraine with aura(32.5% vs 21.1%, P = 0.040). The PFO size was significantly larger in group A(P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in HIT-6 scores between the two groups before and at the oneyear follow-up after the PFO closure [61(9) vs 63(9), P = 0.227; 36(13) vs 36(10), P = 0.706].CONCLUSION Despite its small sample size, our study suggests that the prevalence of ASA in PFO with migraine patients is associated with ischemic stroke, larger PFO size, and migraine with aura.

Who benefits from percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale vs medical therapy for stroke prevention? In-depth and updated metaanalysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND A few randomized clinical trials(RCT) and their meta-analyses have found patent foramen ovale closure(PFOC) to be beneficial in prevention of stroke compared to medical therapy. Whether the benefit is extended across all groups of patients remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PFOC vs medical therapy in different groups of patients presenting with stroke, we performed this meta-analysis of RCTs.METHODS Electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, CINAHL and ProQuest Central and manual search were performed from inception through September 2018 for RCTs. Ischemic stroke(IS), transient ischemic attack(TIA), a composite of IS, TIA and systemic embolism(SE), mortality, major bleeding,atrial fibrillation(AF) and procedural complications were the major outcomes.Random-effects model was used to perform analyses.RESULTS Meta-analysis of 6 RCTs including 3560 patients showed that the PFOC,compared to medical therapy reduced the risk of IS [odds ratio: 0.34; 95%confidence interval: 0.15-0.78; P = 0.01] and the composite of IS, TIA and SE [0.55(0.32-0.93); P = 0.02] and increased the AF risk [4.79(2.35-9.77); P < 0.0001]. No statistical difference was observed in the risk of TIA [0.86(0.54-1.38); P = 0.54],mortality [0.74(0.28-1.93); P = 0.53] and major bleeding [0.81(0.42-1.56); P = 0.53]between two strategies. Subgroup analyses showed that compared to medical therapy, PFOC reduced the risk of stroke in persons who were males, ≤ 45 years of age and had large shunt or atrial septal aneurysm.CONCLUSION In certain groups of patients presenting with stroke, PFOC is beneficial in preventing future stroke compared to medical therapy.

Closing patent foramen ovale in cryptogenic stroke:The underscored importance of other interatrial shunt variants

Recent trials and metanalysis even not fully conclusive and still debated,at least suggested that mechanical device-based closure of patent foramen ovale(PFO)is more effective than medical therapy in prevent recurrence of stroke. In a proportion ranging from 20% to nearly 40% of patients in literature,PFO is associated to atrial septal aneurysm(ASA):ASA is a well-known entity often associated with additional fenestration. Additionally small atrial septal defects("Flat ASD") can present with signs of paradoxical embolism and cannot be easily detected by transthoracic echocardiography or even by transesophageal echocardiography and are usually discovered by intracardiac echocardiography at the moment of transcatheter closure. This evidence might change potentially the anatomical diagnosis from PFO to fenestrated ASA or as we called it to "hybrid defect",being a bidirectional flow through a small ASD or/and an additional fenestration,often present. Despite the differences in anatomy,pathophysiology and haemodynamic paradoxical embolism may occur in both entities and also may be the first appearance of fenestrated ASA. Because some overlapping do really exist between PFO and hybrid defects,which are often not clearly differentiable by standard diagnostic tools,it is likely that a proportion of patients evaluated for potential transcatheter closure of PFO had actually a different anatomical substrate. These different anatomical and pathophysiologic entities have not been address in any of the previous trials,potentially having an impact on overall results despite the similar mechanical treatment. Neurologists and general cardiologists in charge of clinical management of PFOrelated cryptogenic stroke should be aware of the role of hybrid defects in the pathophysiology of paradoxical embolism- mediated cerebral ischemic events in order to apply the correct decision- making process and avoid downgrading of patients with paradoxical embolism-related interatrial shunt variants different from PFO.

Three-dimensional analysis of the physiological foramen geometry of maxillary and mandibular molars by means of micro-CT

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological foramen diameter, shape and distance between physiological and anatomical apex of maxillary and mandibular first and second molars. Accurate knowledge of the physiological foramina morphology; thus, inherent mechanical shaping technical hindrances, is decisive when taking the corresponding root canal final preparation decision. The morphological dimensions of a total of 1 727 physiological foramina were investigated by means of micro-computed tomography. Mean narrow and wide （to a high number, oval） diameters of the physiological foramen were 0.24, 0.22 and 0.33 mm and 0.33, 0.31 and 0.42 mm in mesiobuccal （MB）, distobuccal （DB） and palatal （P） roots in maxillary first molars; 0.24, 0.22 and 0.33 mm and 0.41, 0.33 and 0.44 in MB, DB, and P roots in maxillary second molars. Mandibular first molars showed mean narrow and wide diameters of 0.24 and 0.30 mm and of 0.39 and 0.46 mm in mesial （M） and distal （D） roots; second mandibular molars showed 0.25 and 0.31 mm and 0.47 mm in M and D roots. The mean distance between the physiological foramina and anatomical apex was 0.82, 0.81 and 1.02 mm and 0.54, 0.43 and 0.63 mm in MB, DB and P roots of the maxillary first and second molars, respectively. A mean distance of 0.95 mm （M） and 1.05 mm （D） in the first and 0.78 mm （M） and 0.81 mm （D） in the second mandibular molars was observed. Based on the results obtained, assumable recommendations for final preparation size of the physiological foramen were calculated. However, when taking into consideration, the resulting standard deviations of marginal errors must be cautiously considered when taking a final decision in clinical endodontic treatment.

Paradoxical embolus straddling patent foramen ovale demonstrated by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography

An elderly gentleman presented to the emergency department with a recent history of dyspnoea, collapse and transient neurological symptoms. He was noted to be hypoxic with a significantly elevated D Dimer. A computer tomography pulmonary angiogram demonstrated a large embolus with a further filling defects within the left and the right atria, abutting the interatrial septum. Suspicion of a paradoxical pulmonary embolus was raised and the patient subsequently underwent echocardiography which confirmed a patent foramen ovale(PFO). He was commenced on warfarin therapy. In patients with elevated right heart pressure, a PFO can be unmasked and give rise to cerebral emboli. Clinical suspicion should be raised in patients with pulmonary emboli or deep venous thrombosis if there is a concomitant history of focal neurological symptoms.

Evaluation of right-to-left shunt on contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler in patent foramen ovale-related cryptogenic stroke: Research based on imaging

BACKGROUND Cardiogenic embolism caused by patent foramen ovale(PFO)is a common etiology of cryptogenic stroke(CS),particularly in young and middle-aged patients.Studies about right-to-left shunt(RLS)detection using contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler(c-TCD)are numerous.According to the time phase and number of microbubbles detected on c-TCD,RLS can be classified and graded.We hypothesized that the characteristics of an infarction lesion on diffusion-weighted imaging differs when combining the type and grade of RLS on c-TCD in patients with PFO-related CS.AIM To explore the characteristics of infarction lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging when combining the RLS type and grade determined by c-TCD.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated CS patients from August 2015 to December 2019 at a tertiary hospital.In total,111 PFO-related CS patients were divided according to whether RLS was permanent(microbubbles detected both at resting state and after the Valsalva maneuver)or latent(microbubbles detected only after the Valsalva maneuver)on c-TCD.Each group was subdivided into small,mild and large RLS according to the grade of shunt on c-TCD.A normal control group was composed of 33 patients who suffered from simple dizziness.Intragroup and intergroup differences were analyzed in terms of clinical,laboratory and diffusion-weighted imaging lesion characteristics.The correlation between RLS grade evaluated by c-TCD and size of PFO determined by transesophageal echocardiography were also analyzed.RESULTS In 111 patients with PFO-related CS,68 had permanent RLS and 43 had latent RLS.Clinical characteristics and laboratory tests were not significantly different among the permanent RLS,latent RLS and normal control groups.The proportion of patients with multiple territory lesions in the permanent RLS group(50%)was larger than that in the latent RLS group(27.91%;P=0.021).Posterior circulation was more likely to be affected in the latent RLS group than in the permanent RLS group(30.23%vs 8.82%,P=0.004).Permanent-large and latent-large RLS were both more likely to be related to multiple(P_(trend)=0.017 and 0.009,respectively),small(P_(trend)=0.035 and 0.006,respectively)and cortical(P_(trend)=0.031 and 0.033,respectively)lesions.The grade of RLS evaluated by c-TCD was correlated to the size of PFO determined by transesophageal echocardiography(r=0.758,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Distribution of the infarct suggested the possible type of RLS.Multiple,small and cortical infarcts suggest large RLS induced by a large PFO.

Observation and measurement of applied anatomical features for thoracic intervertebral foramen puncture on computed tomography images

BACKGROUND Thoracic intervertebral foramen puncture is the key step for interventional therapy on the thoracic nerve roots or dorsal root ganglia.The anatomical features of the thoracic spine are complex,and puncture injury to the pleura,blood vessels,spinal cord,and other tissues may cause serious complications.The spatial anatomical characteristics and related parameters for thoracic intervertebral foramen puncture remain poorly understood.AIM To observe and summarize the spatially applied anatomical characteristics for intervertebral foramen puncture on different vertebral segments.METHODS A total of 88 patients(41 males and 47 females)who underwent thoracic minimally invasive interventional treatment at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2019 to June 2020 were included.Computed tomography images of 167 thoracic vertebral segments scanned in the prone position were collected.The width of the intertransverse space(D_(P)),the height of the rib neck/head above the lower transverse process(D_(R)),the width of the lateral border of the articular process/lamina(W_(P)),and the width of the posterior border of the vertebral body(W_(V))were measured.At the upper 1/3 of the intervertebral foramina,the horizontal inclination angle(α)from the lateral border of the articular process/lamina to the posterolateral border of the vertebral body was measured.The ratios D_(R)/D_(P) and W_(P)/W_(V) were calculated.The intervertebral foramen parameters were compared between segments.RESULTS No rib head/neck occlusion(D_(R)/D_(P)>0)was found in the intertransverse spaces of T1-2 and T12-L1.The incidence of occlusion for the upper thoracic segments(T1-5,n=138),middle thoracic segments(T5-9,n=116),and lower thoracic segments(T9-L1,n=80)were 76.81%,100%,and 82.50%,respectively.The incidence of occlusion for the middle thoracic segments was significantly higher than that for the upper and lower thoracic segments(P<0.05).The incidence of>1/2 occlusion(D_(R)/D_(P)>1/2)for the upper,middle,and lower thoracic segments was 7.97%,74.14%,and 32.50%,respectively.The incidence of>1/2 occlusion for the middle thoracic segments was significantly higher than that for the upper and lower thoracic segments(P<0.05).W_(P) was longer than W_(V) on T1-2 to T9-10 and shorter than W_(V) on T10-11 to T12-L1.The horizontal puncture angle(α)into the external opening of the intervertebral foramina was positively correlated with the segments of the thoracic vertebrae from the cephalic to caudal portion(left:r=0.772,P<0.01;right:r=0.771,P<0.01),and the horizontal inclination angle for T11-12 and T12-L1 was 90°.CONCLUSION It is necessary to identify the spatial impact of the rib head/neck on the puncture path of the intervertebral foramina and design appropriate puncture angles for different segments.

Influence of High-Velocity Blood Flow on Right-to-Left Shunt in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale during the Valsalva Maneuver

In this study, we investigated the changes in the right-to-left shunt (RLS) of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) at different phases of the Valsalva maneuver and analyzed the possible mechanisms. The study population consisted of 57 patients with symptoms highly suggestive of a PFO. These patients had been diagnosed with apsychia, migraine with aura, cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and cerebral ischemia with unknown cause. Routine echocardiography was performed in all patients to rule out a cardiac malformation. Contrast-transcranial Doppler (c-TCD) and contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (c-TTE) were used to visualize and quantify the RLS. The standard apical four chamber view was used to observe the changes of E peak, A peak, and velocity-time integral (VTI) ratio of tricuspid blood flow during the strain phase and release phase of the Valsalva maneuver. Paired t-test was used to compare E peak, A peak, and VTI ratio of tricuspid blood flow during the different phases. The right-to-left shunt across the PFO (PFO-RLS) was graded in the two phases and compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. Compared with the strain phase of the Valsalva maneuver, the parameters of E, A, and VTI in diastolic period in patients with PFO-RLS at the release phase were significantly increased [54.30 ± 13.65 cm/s vs 100.35 ± 21.11 cm/s, 42.21 ± 12.32 cm/s vs 57.30 ± 18.88 cm/s, 10.34 ± 3.27 cm/s vs 19.58 ± 4.56 cm/s, respectively], and the difference was statistically significant. The positive consequence of PFO-RLS, as diagnosed by c-TTE with the Valsalva maneuver at the release phase of the Valsalva maneuver, was significantly higher than that at the strain phase of the Valsalva maneuver. At the beginning of release phase of the Valsalva maneuver, decreased intrathoracic pressure led to increased venous backflow into the right atrium. Thus, high-velocity blood flow rapidly pushed the PFO open, which resulted in a significant increase in the PFO-RLS. Therefore, the increase of the PFO-RLS during the Valsalva maneuver is caused by the impact of high-velocity blood flow the PFO.

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale: “Closed” door after the last randomized trials?

Patent foramen ovale(PFO) percutaneous closure has previously been an accepted intervention for the prevention of recurrent cryptogenic stroke on the basis of observational studies. However, randomized trials have been lacking until now. Three recently published randomized trials(CLOSURE I, PC and RESPECT) do not demonstrate the superiority of this intervention versus optimal medical therapy, therefore making this practice questionable. Nonetheless, these trials have had certain pitfalls, mainly a lower than initially estimated number of patients recruited, therefore lacking sufficient statistical power. On the other hand, different closure devices were used in the three trials. In two of them(PC and RESPECT), the Amplatzer PFO Occluder was used and the STARflex device was used in the other one(CLOSURE I). Taken altogether, a meta-analysis of these three trials does not demonstrate a statistically significant benefit of percutaneous PFO closure(1.9% vs 2.9%; P = 0.11). However, if we analyze only the PC and RESPECT trials together, in which the Amplatzer PFO Occluder was used, a statistically significant benefit of percutaneous PFO closure is observed(1.4% vs 3.0%, P = 0.04). In conclusion, our interpretation of these trials is that the use of a dedicated, specifically designed Amplatzer PFO device could possibly reducethe risk of stroke in patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke. This consideration equally applies to patients who have no contraindications for anticoagulant or antithrombotic therapy.

Hypoxemia without persistent right-to-left pressure gradient across a patent foramen ovale:A clinical challenge

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for systemic hypoxemia is controversial. The first systematic, albeit retrospective, study was recently presented which showed good procedural and clinical success for PFO closure for this indication. We present a case of acute right to left intra-cardiac shunt across PFO where the shunting is not persistent. Hence making a decision on PFO closure based on the aforementioned promising trial may not have been the right decision for the patient. This case highlights that the decision on PFO closure for such indication needs to be individualized. We also review the sparse literature on PFO closure for this indication and discuss how the decision making for such indication needs to be individualized.

Thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale and pulmonary embolism:A case report

BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism is a common vascular syndrome presenting as deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism.Thrombus has the possibility of migrating into the left circulation via patent foramen ovale in certain extreme circumstances.Thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale is a direct evidence of this scenario.However,the confirmed cases of thrombus in transit are still rare.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old man suffered from recurrent syncope and intermittent dyspnea for 1 wk.Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed a thrombus straddling the patent foramen ovale,and thrombi were also found in the bilateral pulmonary artery by computed tomography.The man underwent inferior vena cava filter placement and thrombolysis with alteplase.Echocardiography showed the absence of thrombi in both the right atrium and left atrium 2 d after hospitalization.The man was discharged to home on warfarin without any complications 2 wk later.CONCLUSION Scrutinizing intracardiac thrombi provides measurable value in pulmonary embolism as closure of patent foramen ovale may be considered in certain patients.Early intervention plays a critical role in thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale.A sedentary lifestyle may predispose young adults to thromboembolism,even if there are no other risk factors.

Left atrial dysfunction in elderly patients with patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm

Objective Recently it has been suggested that, in patients with large patent foramen ovale （PFO） and atrial septal aneurysms （ASA）, a certain amount of left atrial （LA） dysfunction may be active as an alternate mechanism promoting arterial embolism. Following this hypothesis, elderly patients, being more susceptible to atrial chambers stiffness, should present a more severe LA dysfunction profile. We sought to evaluate the grade of LA dysfunction in elderly patients submitted to transcatheter PFO closure. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 28 consecutive patients with previous stroke （mean age 674-12.5 years, 18 females） referred to our centre for catheter-based PFO closure after recurrent stroke. Baseline values of LA passive and active emptying, LA conduit function, LA ejection fraction, and spontaneous echocontrast （SEC） in the LA and LA appendage were compared with those of 50 atrial fibrillation patients, as well as a sex/age/cardiac risk matched population of 70 healthy controls. Results Pre-closure elderly subjects demonstrated significantly greater reservoir function as well as passive and active emptying, with reduced conduit function and LA ejection fraction, when compared to healthy and younger patients. After closure in elderly patients, LAparameters did not return completely to the levels of healthy patients, whereas LA dysfunction in younger subjects returned normal. Conclusions This study suggests that elderly patients have more severe LA dysfunction than younger patients, which affects the LA remodelling after closure.