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.

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.

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.

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.

Patent foramen ovale closure in non-lacunar cryptogenic ischemic stroke:where are we now?

Patent foram ovale(PFO)is the most common anatomical cause of an interarterial shunt.It is usually asymptomatic but may cause paradoxical embolism and is a risk factor for non-lacunar cryptogenic cerebral ischemia in young adults.Although the first clinical trials did not show a significant superiority of PFO closure in the secondary prevention of cerebral ischemia as compared with standard antithrombotic treatment,six subsequent randomized clinical trials(CLOSURE I,PC Trial,RESPECT,CLOSE,REDUCE,and DEFENSE-PFO)performed in a sample of cryptogenic stroke in patients aged 60 years or younger provided evidence of a significant reduction of recurrent cerebral ischemia after percutaneous PFO closure.However,the use of percutaneous PFO closure cannot be generalized to the entire population of patients with cerebral ischemia and PFO,but it is indicated in highly selected patients with non-lacunar cryptogenic cerebral infarction with a large right-to-left shunt,an atrial septal aneurysm and no evidence of atrial fibrillation,as well as in association with antithrombotic treatment for an optimal secondary prevention of cerebral ischemia.

Ischemic Stroke Due to Paradoxical Embolism in a Patient with Patent Foramen Ovale, Bilateral Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis and Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome: A Case Report

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital cardiac defect. It is usually asymptomatic, but it can be associated with relevant clinical manifestations such as cryptogenic stroke and platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. We present the case of a patient with hemodynamically significant carotid artery stenosis who underwent endarterectomy for a transient ischemic attack (TIA). After surgery, the patient presented an ischemic stroke due to M2 occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy. During hospitalization, a distal bilateral deep vein thrombosis was found. The patient developed respiratory failure due to a massive right-to-left shunt through a large PFO (platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the TIA and the subsequential ischemic stroke were related to paradoxical embolism rather than atherothromboembolism. The aim of our case report is to raise awareness of the possible complications of such a common finding as PFO.

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.

Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in a Patient with Mirror-Image Dextrocardia and Situs Inversus

A 26-year-old patient with mirror-image dextrocardia and situs inversus experienced a transient ischemic attack.We suspected that a patent foramen ovale was the reason.A Cardi-O-Fix occluder was used to close the patent foramen ovale with a mirror-reversed rotation of the radiologic views.During the 18-month follow-up,no symptoms of the transient ischemic attack appeared again.

Diameters and form of skull base foramen ovale measured by three-dimensional spiral CT thin-slice scan in healthy adults

BACKGROUND： The accurate measurements of various data of the bone diameters of foramen ovale of living person can change the methods of puncturing trigeminal gasserian ganglion via foramen ovale for treating trifacial neuralgia from the experience of puncture operator only to puncture by taking the objective data of measurement as the evidence, which is good for improving the accuracy of puncturing trigeminal ganglion and reducing side effects. OBJECTIVE ： To observe the forms of foramen ovales in healthy adults displayed by volume rendering and multi-planar reconstruction after three-dimensional spiral CT thin-slice scan of skull base, and measure the longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter. DESIGN ： A repetitive observation and measurement SETTINGS ： Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Medical Imaging, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. PARTICIPANTS： Fifty healthy adults （100 sides）, who were examined with three-dimensional spiral CT scan, were randomly selected from the Department of Medical Imaging, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2005 to January 2006, including 26 males and 24 females, aged 25-68 years with an average of 48 years old. They were all informed and agreed with the examination. METHODS ： The subjects were examined with the Philips 16-slice spiral CT-Mx 8000 IDT CT apparatus （Philips Company, Holland）, the scanning ranged from 2 cm below the canthomeatal line to the level of suprasellar cistem. The width of collimator was 0.75 mm, pitch was 0.663; tube current was 350 mA, voltage was 120 kV, resolution was 512×512 matrix; slice thickness of reconstruction was 1 mm, and interval was 0.5 mm. After the three-dimensional spiral CT thin-slice scan of skull base, the image post-processing techniques including volume rendering and multi-planar reconstruction were applied to observe the forms of foramen ovales, and measure the size, longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter of the foramen ovales. The figures of the foramen ovales were drawn with mouse along the boundary of bone porous margin and soft tissue. According to the indications, the diameters were measured with computer to observe the forms of foramen ovales. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： The longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter and form of foramen ovales were observed. RESULTS： All the 50 healthy adults （100 sides） were involved in the analysis of results. （1） It was observed in the volume rendering images that foramen ovales had four forms of oval shape （77 sides）, kidney shape （12 sides）, round shape （7 sides）, ribbon shape （4 sides）. （2） The longitudinal diameters of left and right foramen ovales were （7.67±1.32） and （7.98±1.45） mm, and the transverse diameters were （4.04±0.83）, （4.09±1.07） mm; There was no obvious difference between left and right longitudinal diameters （t = 1.63, P = 0.11 ）, and left and right transverse diameters were close （t = 0.45, P= 0.65）. CONCLUSION ： The non-invasive techniques of volume rendering and multi-planar reconstruction after three-dimensional spiral CT thin-slice scan can clearly display the formand size of foramen ovale in healthy adults.

Transcatheter closure for decompression sickness with a patent foramen ovale:A case report

A patent foramen ovale is one of the predisposing factors of neurotic decompression sickness.Transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale is effective in the secondary prevention of decompression sickness associated with intracardiac shunt.The size of the umbrella should not be limited to the diagnosis of a patent foramen ovale or an atrial septal defect but should be determined by the supporting force of the soft margin of the atrial septum.The surgical method of patent foramen ovale closure is the same as that of the closure of an atrial septal defect,but the closure umbrella of a patent foramen ovale is different from that of the closure umbrella of an atrial septal defect.The size of the umbrella of the right atrium is larger than that of the left atrium,and it is better to close the atrial septum.

Value of TCD foaming Test in Screening Patent Foramen Ovale in Migraine Patients and Efficacy of PFO Occlusion

Objective:To explore the effect of TCD foaming test in screening patent foramen ovale in migraine patients,as well as in the treatment effect.Methods:From September 2019 to August 2020,236 patients with migraine and 362 patients with normal physical examination were treated in our hospital.According to the random number table method,60 patients with migraine were selected as the observation group,and 60 patients with normal physical examination were selected as the control group.48 cases of PFO were confirmed by TCD foaming test Among the patients with migraine,36 patients received interventional occlusion therapy.The therapeutic effect and VAS score of the two groups were analyzed.Results:Through TCD foaming test,the proportion of PFO in the observation group was 80%,and that in the control group was 13.33%.The proportion of PFO in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(χ^(2)=53.5714,P<0.01);The symptoms disappeared in 30 patients and improved in 4 patients;Among the 36 patients who received interventional occlusion therapy,the VAS score of patients before and after the operation was significantly changed,and the proportion of patients whose pain disappeared after the operation was 83.33%,which was significantly lower than that before the operation,and the difference was comparable(χ^(2)=51.4286,P<0.01).Conclusion:TCD foaming test for PFO screening has strong applicability,not only safe and convenient,will not cause trauma to patients,and through interventional occlusion treatment,can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of migraine patients and cure patients.

Progress in the treatment of elderly patients with patent foramen ovale complicated with cryptogenic stroke

Background The incidence of cryptogenic stroke(CS)accounts for about 25%of ischemic stroke.Current studies have shown that cryptogenic stroke is closely related to patent foramen ovale(PFO).Evaluating the correlation between PFO and CS needs to be combined with multidisciplinary evaluation.Many clinical studies have shown that drug therapy can reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in elderly PFO patients(>60 years old).However,whether elderly PFO patients(>60 years old)can benefit from PFO closure is still controversial.This article reviewed the research progress of drug therapy and PFO closure therapy for cryptogenic stroke associated with PFO in the elderly.[S Chin J Cardiol 2024;25(1):50-56].

Three-dimensional and two-dimensional morphological features of patent foramen ovale revealed by transesophageal echocardiography

Patent foramen ovale （PFO）, a congenital cardiac lesion that persists into adulthood, has become the subject of much clinical interest. PFO has been implicated in several serious clinical syndromes, including paradoxical systemic emboli （which contribute to ischemic stroke）, myocardial infarction, and complications of pulmonary embolism. Currently, two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography （TEE） is the standard procedure for diagnosing PFO. The diameter and contrast score have been used to size the PFO.~ None of these techniques is optimal as they are all indirect ways of measuring PFOs. Few data exist on the relation between stroke risk, anatomical characteristics, and physiological behavior. The purpose of our study therefore was to explore the clinical feasibility of sizing or displaying the morphology and physiological behavior of PFOs using three-dimensional TEE.

Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale with the Spider（TM） patent foramen ovale occluder： a prospective, single-center trial

Background Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale （PFO） is a promising alternative to surgical closure or anticoagulation therapy to prevent paradoxical embolic events in patients with PFO. Several different devices have been used for transcatheter PFO closure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility for closure of PFO with a new PFO occluder, the Spider^（TM） PFO occluder. Methods The device was implanted in the PFO patients under fluoroscopy and transthoracic echocardiography （TTE） using a 10 French delivery sheath employing a femoral vein approach. Aspirin was administered at 100 mg/d for six months after occlusion. The clinical and echocardiographic follow-up of patients were performed at the 24th hour, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, and 12th month after occlusion, and yearly thereafter. Results The device was implanted successfully in all 55 patients. No major complications occurred during the perioperative period, such as thromboembolism, occluder dislodgement, infection or myocardial infarction. No residual shunt of the atrial level was shown by transesophageal echocardiography, and no latent arrhythmia or cerebral vesselevents occurred in any cases during follow-up （（35±9） months, range 6-51 months）.Conclusion Transcatheter closure of a PFO with the Spider^（TM） PFO occluder is a safe and effective therapeutic option for the secondary prevention of presumed paradoxical embolism. However, randomized trials comparing this device with other devices and therapies have to be performed.

Congenital Cardiac Defects, Such as Eustachian Valve, May Increase the Risk of Cryptogenic Stroke: A Case Report

Eustachian valve is an embryonic endocardial heart structure;after birth it becomes an embryogenic residue and its persistance in adult life is unusual. The literature reports some cases of association between Eustachian valve and PFO and is known that the prominent Eustachian valve can represent a way facilitating systemic embolism.Several studies also investigated the role of Eustachian valve in the pathophysiology of both migraine and cerebral embolism. In addiction is known how Eustachian valve may increase the risk of endocarditis, which mostly affects intravenous drug abusers or those with implanted medical devices or central venous catheters. The most commonly identified organism is Staphylococcus aureus (approximately 53% of cases). We present a case of a 46-year-old woman with known migraine. She was hospitalized in Stroke Unit for a cryptogenic stroke with a right-to-left shunt detected with transcranial doppler ultrasound with “bubble test” and a patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunt with a fenestration of atrial septum and a voluminous Eustachian valve detected with transesophageal echocardiography;she developed fever with a blood cultures positive for methicillin-resis- tant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), even if without evidence of endocarditis vegetations. In summary, the objective of our paper is to present an example of a correlation between the persistence of the Eustachian valve with bothcryptogenetic stroke, possible valve infection and migraine.

Prenatal ultrasonographic characteristics and prognosis of isolated redundant foramen ovale flap

Objective:To analyze the prenatal ultrasonographic characteristics and prognosis of the isolated redundant foramen ovale flap(RFOF).Methods:From January 2014 to December 2021,we collected data on fetal echocardiography analyses and perinatal outcomes for fetuses with isolated RFOF in Peking University People's Hospital.Results:We found that 0.31%(87/28308)of participants have RFOF.The four-chamber results of the foramen ovale flap(FOF)showed that it was stiff and extended>50%or reached the lateral wall of the left atrium(LA)in diastole.As seen from the foramen ovale(FO)channel and four-chamber views,the hypermobile and redundant flap were observed shrinking and stretching with the fetal cardiac cycle,which is similar to jellyfish.The lateral displacement of flow from LA to the left ventricle(LV)around the FOF on color doppler demonstrated thin linear blood flow from the right to left and a reversal of flow across FO.A uniphasic,but not biphasic,pattern of FOF displacement was observed on M-mode.Stages I(23/87)and II(51/87)had a higher ratio of ventricular disproportion than Stage 0(11/87)and III(2/87).We observed the RA/LA(right/left atrium)>1.2 in 53 cases(60.9%),RV/LV(right/left ventricle)>1.2 in 53 cases(60.9%),PA/AO(pulmonary/aortic artery)>1.2 in 53 cases(60.9%),and moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation in 10 cases and moderate pericardial effusion in 2 cases(2.2%).Seventy-four RFOF cases had follow-up data.Neonatal death occurred in 2 cases;72 fetuses survived with normal or minor heart defects.Conclusion:RFOF should be considered if the left side of the heart of a fetus is smaller and related to hypermobile FOF.For isolated RFOF cases,a monthly follow-up is recommended to monitor arrhythmia or fetal hydrop status.Prompt treatment is recommended for those with adequate gestational age and lung maturity.

Large eustachian valve fostering paradoxical thromboembolism:passive bystander or serial partner in crime?

Catheter-based closure of patent foramen ovale(PFO)is more effective than medical therapy in the prevention of recurrent stroke[1].It is likely that a proportion of patients evaluated for potential transcatheter PFO closure has actually different anatomical variants particularly common in the right atrium such as eustachian valve,Chiari network,Thebesian valve and Crista Terminalis.Notably,the eustachian valve may represent an increased risk factor for left circulation thromboembolism beyond that associated with PFO size and shunting.Such patients may benefit the most from percutaneous closure procedure.

Observation on Cardiac Opening of the Inferior Vena Cava in Goat Fetuses

[Objectives] This study was conducted to better understand the characteristics of the fetal blood circulation. [Methods] The cardiac opening of the inferior vena cava was observed in goat fetuses. There are two cardiac openings of the inferior vena cava, namely, the foramen ovale with the valves and the right atrium opening of the inferior vena cava. The blood from the inferior vena cava moves easily into the right atrium via the right atrium opening because the right atrium opening without the valves is located in the lower right of the foramen ovale, and is bigger than the interatrial foramen. [Results] The blood may flow into the left atrium through the foramen ovale when the blood volume into the right atrium exceeds the limit of the right atrium. The fetal inferior vena cava compared with after birth receives oxygenated blood in the umbilical vein from the placenta besides the normal blood. Accordingly the blood volume into the right atrium exceeds the limit of the right atrium. Extra oxygenated blood is diverted directly into the left atrium through the foramen ovale. [Conclusions] This study provides a reference for studying the blood circulation of fetuses and even adults.

When neurological symptoms hides a nephrologic pathology and a cardiac abnormality

We bring report the case of a young woman who presents with neurological symptoms, and to which the practised investigations led to the discovery in chain of unexpected pathologies. These neurological disorders were revealing of the picture associating a nephrotic syndrome and a patent foramen ovale. This foramen was the major route of a rain of emboles ring peripheral favored by the nephrotic syndrome towards the cerebral hemispheres.