Potential source of cerebral embolism in migraine with aura: a transcranial Doppler study

Prevalence and characteristics of patent foramen ovale in a sample of Egyptian population: a computed tomography study

BACKGROUND

The reported prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the general population is variable. It ranges between 8.6 and 42% according to the population studied and the imaging technique used. We aim to prospectively assess the prevalence and characteristics of PFO and interatrial septum (IAS) abnormalities as well as the related clinical manifestations in a sample of Egyptian population.

RESULTS

This study comprised 1000 patients who were referred for CT coronary angiography (CTCA). Mean age was 52.5 ± 10.9 years. The prevalence of PFO among the studied population was 16.3%; closed PFO (grade I) 44.2%, open PFO (grade II) 50.9%, and open PFO with jet (grade III) 4.9%. Anatomical high-risk PFO features-defined as the presence of at least 2 or more of the following (diameter ≥ 2 mm, length ≥ 10 mm, septal aneurysm "ASA", or redundant septum)-were found in 51.5% of PFOs' population. Other IAS abnormalities as redundant septum (8.6%), ASA (5.3%), Bachmann's bundle (4.5%), microaneurysm (2.6%), and atrial septal defect (ASD) (0.4%) were detected. There was a lower rate of coexistence of ASA with PFO (p = 0.031). Syncope was significantly higher in patients with PFO compared to those without PFO (6.7% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.001). Stroke, transient ischaemic attacks (TIA), and dizziness were similar in both groups. TIA, dizziness, and syncope were significantly higher in patients with IAS abnormalities including PFO compared to those without IAS abnormalities. Syncope was also significantly higher in PFO with high-risk anatomical features compared to those with non-high-risk PFO population (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PFO in our study was approximately 16.3%, almost half of them showed anatomical high-risk features for stroke. Dizziness, syncope and TIA were significantly higher in patients with IAS abnormalities including PFO.

Long-term impact of transcatheter closure interatrial shunts on disabling migraine

BACKGROUNDS

Effectiveness of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure on relief of migraine, is still unclear. We sought to analyse the long-term (>10 years) effects of interatrial septal shunt repair on disabling migraine performing a retrospective non-randomised study.

METHODS

Clinical records of patients with disabling, medication-refractory migraine and PFO or significant ASD referred to our centre for closure from 2006 to 2018, were analysed.

RESULTS

Forty -six patients (38 female, mean age 40.0 ± 3.7 years) with PFO and 32 patients with significant ASD (28 female, mean age 38.0 ± 4.1 years) submitted to transcatheter closure had a pre-existing disabling migraine with mean Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) of 35.8 ± 4.7. After a mean follow-up of 118.2 ± 19.1 months (range 96 to 144), 72 out of 78 patients were still followed-up: in all subjects, aura was abolished, and migraine improved also in patients without aura. The mean MIDAS significantly decreased from baseline value (p < 0.01). Complete migraine resolution was associated in PFO patients with a shorter history of migraine, a more severe thrombophilic profile, a more severe Right-to-Left Shunt (RLS) and larger left atrial diameter and volume, and in ASD patients with bidirectional shunt.

CONCLUSIONS

Device-based repair of PFO/ASD in patients with migraine was associated with abolition of aura and symptoms reduction in the long-term period.

Advances in Management of the Stroke Etiology One-Percenters

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Uncommon causes of stroke merit specific attention; when clinicians have less common etiologies of stoke in mind, the diagnosis may come more easily. This is key, as optimal management will in many cases differs significantly from "standard" care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the best medical therapy in the treatment of cervical artery dissection (CeAD) have demonstrated low rates of ischemia with both antiplatelet and vitamin K antagonism. RCT evidence supports the use of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonism in "high-risk" patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS), and there is new evidence supporting the utilization of direct oral anticoagulation in malignancy-associated thrombosis. Migraine with aura has been more conclusively linked not only with increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, but also with cardiovascular mortality. Recent literature has surprisingly not provided support the utilization of L-arginine in the treatment of patients with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS); however, there is evidence at this time that support use of enzyme replacement in patients with Fabry disease. Additional triggers for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) have been identified, such as capsaicin. Imaging of cerebral blood vessel walls utilizing contrast-enhanced MRA is an emerging modality that may ultimately prove to be very useful in the evaluation of patients with uncommon causes of stroke. A plethora of associations between cerebrovascular disease and COVID-19 have been described. Where pertinent, authors provide additional tips and guidance. Less commonly encountered conditions with updates in diagnosis, and management along with clinical tips are reviewed.

Transesophageal echocardiography-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided patent foramen ovale closure: A single center registry

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is conventionally performed under continuous transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance. We aimed to evaluate whether a simplified procedural approach, including pure fluoroscopy-guidance and final TEE control, as well as an aimed 'next-day-discharge' is comparable with the conventional TEE-guided procedure in terms of periprocedural and intermediate-term outcomes.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a PFO closure at our center between 2010 and 2022 were retrospectively included. Prior to June 2019 cases were performed with continuous TEE guidance (TEE-guided group). Since June 2019, only pure fluoroscopy-guided PFO closures have been performed with TEE insertion and control just prior to device release (fluoroscopy-guided group). We analyzed procedural aspects, as well as long term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes.

RESULTS

In total 291 patients were included in the analysis: 197 in the TEE-guided group and 94 in the fluoroscopy-guided group. Fluoroscopy-guided procedures were markedly shorter (48 ± 20 min vs. 25 ± 9 min; p < .01). There was no difference in procedural complications, including death, major bleeding, device dislodgement, stroke or clinically relevant peripheral embolization between the two groups (.5% vs. 0%; p = .99). Hospital stay was also shorter with the simplified approach (2.5 ± 1.6 vs. 3.5 ± 1.2 days; p < .01), allowing 85% same-day discharges during the last 12 months of observation period. At 6 ± 3 months echocardiographic follow-up a residual leakage was described in 8% of the TEE-guided cases and 2% of the fluoroscopy-guided cases (p = .08).

CONCLUSION

While a complete TEE-free PFO closure might have potential procedural risks, our approach of pure fluoroscopy-guided with a brisk final TEE check seems to be advantageous in terms of procedural aspects with no sign of any acute or intermediate-term hazard and it could offer an equitable compromise between the two worlds: a complete TEE procedure and a procedure without any TEE.

Obstructive sleep apnea and stroke: The mechanisms, the randomized trials, and the road ahead

When considered separately from cardiovascular disease, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults. New approaches that can be offered to the majority of ischemic stroke patients, can be continued throughout post-stroke care, can limit stroke severity, and can complement or even enhance rehabilitation, would transform ischemic stroke recovery. The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke may represent one such approach. This manuscript reviews the epidemiologic studies of the bidirectional association between OSA and stroke, and the mechanisms and molecular signatures of OSA leading to transient ischemic attack and stroke as well as the randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies examining continuous positive airway treatment efficacy on the impact of stroke outcomes. Finally, the insights these studies provide on future research are also discussed.

European position paper on the management of patients with patent foramen ovale. Part II - Decompression sickness, migraine, arterial deoxygenation syndromes and select high-risk clinical conditions

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of medical conditions but to date only one official position paper related to left circulation thromboembolism has been published. This interdisciplinary paper, prepared with the involvement of eight European scientific societies, reviews the available evidence and proposes a rationale for decision making for other PFO-related clinical conditions. In order to guarantee a strict evidence-based process, we used a modified grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) methodology. A critical qualitative and quantitative evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures was performed, including assessment of the risk/benefit ratio. The level of evidence and the strength of the position statements were weighed and graded according to predefined scales. Despite being based on limited and observational or low-certainty randomised data, a number of position statements were made to frame PFO management in different clinical settings, along with suggestions for new research avenues. This interdisciplinary position paper, recognising the low or very low certainty of existing evidence, provides the first approach to several PFO-related clinical scenarios beyond left circulation thromboembolism and strongly stresses the need for fresh high-quality evidence on these topics.

Patent foramen ovale closure for secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke

Introduction: A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is highly prevalent among the adult population. It allows shunting of blood through the inter-atrial septum and has been associated with cryptogenic stroke, transient ischemic attack, platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, decompression sickness (e.g. deep-water divers), and migraines.Areas Covered: In this manuscript, we will review the anatomy of PFO with particular emphasis on the factors associated with increased risk of paradoxical embolization, as well as the different modalities for the diagnosis of PFO. We will discuss medical, surgical, and transcatheter therapy for secondary prevention in patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke, and summarize the data from observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and meta-analysis of RCTs that have established the beneficial effect of transcatheter PFO closure in this patient population. Finally, we will provide a brief overview of the role of transcatheter PFO closure in patients with migraine.Expert Opinion: Transcatheter closure is the preferred treatment option in young (<60 years) patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke. A multi-disciplinary approach with input from clinical cardiologist, neurologist, hematologist, cardiac surgeon, and interventional cardiologist provides the best therapeutic plan for each patient taking into account the available data, but also medical, social, and occupational considerations.

Relationship between non-headache symptoms and right to left shunt in episodic migraine. A single-center cross-sectional study

The relationship between right to left shunt (RLS) and non-headache symptoms (NHS) in episodic migraine is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and classification of RLS in episodic migraineurs, calculate the occurrence rate of NHS, and analyze the associations between RLS and NHS. We consecutively recruited 204 episodic migraine patients. Contrast-enhanced transcranial doppler was adopted to screen RLS. Structured questionnaire via face-to-face survey was conducted to collect clinical data. A total of 172 episodic migraineurs were included in the final analysis, of which 20 cases were migraine with aura. The positive rate of RLS was 47.1%, of which 50 cases (29.0%) had small shunt (Grade 1) and 31 cases (18.1%) had mid-large shunt (Grade 2-4). The most common NHS was nausea (115 (66.9%)), followed by headache aggravation with physical activity (96 (55.8%)), dizziness (93 (54.1%)), vomiting (77 (44.8%)) and phonophobia (74 (43.0%)). Yawning was more common in Grade 2-4 group than Grade 0 group (p = 0.012), while no statistical differences among other groups. Grade 2-4 group had a higher rate of headache aggravation with physical activity than grade 0 group (p = 0.008). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that yawning at premonitory phase, headache aggravation with physical activity and cranial autonomic symptoms during attack are independent predictors of RLS. In conclusion, yawning and headache aggravation with physical activity are more common in migraine patients with RLS. Besides aura, particular NHS may also serve as indicators for screening RLS in episodic migraineurs.

Prevalence of patent foramen ovale in the Greek population is high and impacts on the interpretation of the risk of paradoxical embolism (RoPE) score

Background:

The risk of paradoxical embolism (RoPE) score calculates the probability that patent foramen ovale (PFO) is causally related to stroke (PFO attributable fraction, PFOAF), based on PFO prevalence in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS) compared with that in the general population. The latter has been estimated at 25%; however, PFO prevalence in nonselected populations varies widely.

Methods:

Since PFO prevalence in Greece remains unknown, we evaluated it and we calculated PFOAF stratified by RoPE score in a cohort of patients with CS ⩽55 years old. PFO was detected according to the international consensus transcranial Doppler (TCD) criteria in 124 healthy subjects (H), in 102 patients with CS, and in 56 patients with stroke of known cause (nonCS). Each subject underwent unilateral middle cerebral artery recording after infusion of agitated saline, at rest, and after a controlled Valsalva maneuver. We characterized PFO as large (>20 microbubbles or curtain), moderate (11–20), and small (⩽10).

Results:

PFO was detected in 42.7% of H, 49% of CS, and 25% of nonCS (p = 0.013). Large PFOs were numerically higher in CS [28.4% (29/102)] compared with H [19.3% (24/124); p = 0.1] and to nonCS [7.1% (4/56), p = 0.04]. The median RoPE score in patients with CS and PFO was seven. Even patients with very high RoPE score (9–10) had moderate PFOAF (57%). For any individual stratum up to RopE score 8, PFOAF was <33%.

Conclusions:

PFO prevalence in the Greek population is much higher than the widely accepted 25%. PFO may be the cause of stroke in one out of nine Greek patients with CS. Among Greek CS patients who harbor a PFO, the latter is causal in one out of five. The established RoPE score cutoff of ⩾7 for having a probable PFO-associated stroke may overestimate the probability in patients deriving from populations with high PFO prevalence.

The Correlation Between Migraine and Patent Foramen Ovale

Background: Migraine is a widespread neurological disorder. The patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remnant of the fetal circulation. Multiple studies suggest that migraine is more prevalent in subjects with PFO and vice versa. It is unclear if there is a causal relationship or simply a co-existence of these two conditions. Furthermore, the treatment of migraine with percutaneous closure PFO remains controversial.

Methods: We reviewed studies pertaining to the relationship between PFO and migraine as well as the effects of treatments on migraine attacks.

Results: We briefly summarized potential pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine, and elaborated on migraine type, frequency, and clinical symptoms of migraine with PFO and the clinical features of PFO with migraine. We also addressed the effects of PFO closure on migraine attacks.

Conclusion: The evidence supports a “dose-response” relationship between migraine and PFO although more work needs to be done in terms of patient selection as well as the inclusion of an antiplatelet control group for PFO closure interventions to uncover possible beneficial results in clinical trials.

Lasmiditan in patients with common migraine comorbidities: a post hoc efficacy and safety analysis of two phase 3 randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

Determine whether common migraine comorbidities affect the efficacy and safety of lasmiditan, a 5-HT_1F receptor agonist approved in the United States for the acute treatment of migraine.

METHODS

In SPARTAN and SAMURAI (double-blind Phase 3 clinical trials), patients with migraine were randomized to oral lasmiditan 50 mg (SPARTAN only), 100mg, 200 mg, or placebo. Lasmiditan increased the proportion of pain-free and most bothersome symptom (MBS)-free patients at 2 h after dose compared with placebo. Most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence, fatigue, nausea, muscular weakness, and hypoesthesia. Based upon literature review of common migraine comorbidities, Anxiety, Allergy, Bronchial, Cardiac, Depression, Fatigue, Gastrointestinal, Hormonal, Musculoskeletal/Pain, Neurological, Obesity, Sleep, and Vascular Comorbidity Groups were created. Using pooled results, efficacy and TEAEs were assessed to compare patients with or without a given common migraine comorbidity. To compare treatment groups, p-values were calculated for treatment-by-subgroup interaction, based on logistic regression with treatment-by-comorbidity condition status (Yes/No) as the interaction term; study, treatment group, and comorbidity condition status (Yes/No) were covariates. Differential treatment effect based upon comorbidity status was also examined. Trial registration at clinicaltrials.gov: SAMURAI (NCT02439320) and SPARTAN (NCT02605174).

RESULTS

Across all the Comorbidity Groups, with the potential exception of fatigue, treatment-by-subgroup interaction analyses did not provide evidence of a lasmiditan-driven lasmiditan versus placebo differential treatment effect dependent on Yes versus No comorbidity subgroup for either efficacy or TEAE assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety of lasmiditan for treatment of individual migraine attacks appear to be independent of comorbid conditions.

A Nomogram for the Prediction of Cessation of Migraine Among Patients With Patent Foramen Ovale After Percutaneous Closure

Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to predict cessation of patent foramen ovale (PFO) patients with migraine headache after percutaneous closure.

Methods: A total of 247 eligible patients with PFO and migraine after percutaneous closure between May, 2016 and May, 2018 were divided into a development cohort (n = 149) and a validation cohort (n = 98). The primary end point was cessation of migraine at follow-up of 1 year after the procedure measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS). In the development cohort, the LASSO regression was used data dimension reduction. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the predicting nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by concordance index (C-index), calibration and clinical usefulness. The results were validated in the validation cohort.

Results: Migraine with aura, history of antiplatelet, and the right-to-left shunt (RLS) at rest were identified as significant predictors based on the analysis of multivariate logistic regression. The nomogram incorporating these variables showed good calibration and discrimination in the development cohort with C-index of 0.906 (95% CI: 0.847–0.965), which was confirmed using the validation cohort with C-index of 0.827 (95% CI: 0.751–0.903). The nomogram showed good agreement between prediction by nomogram and actual observation. Furthermore, the decision curve indicated that the novel nomogram was clinically useful.

Conclusion: The novel nomogram showed favorable predictive accuracy for cessation of migraine among patients with PFO after percutaneous closure and might provide constructive guidance in clinical decision making.

Efficacy of patent foramen ovale closure for treating migraine: a prospective follow-up study

This study aims to evaluate the potential of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure to improve the headache in patients with migraine and PFO, and discuss the difference between the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the single-center studies. Patients of migraine with a large shunt of PFO, who experienced ≥2 headache attacks per month and failed ≥2 categories of standardized medication, underwent PFO closure in First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University. The clinical outcomes, including frequency and duration of headache attacks, Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) score, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up after the PFO closure. The different efficacies of the clinical outcomes between patients with and without aura as well as different grades of PFO were also evaluated, respectively. 134 patients with migraine (39 male and 95 female) with PFO were enrolled, whose average age was 39.21±11.37 years. After PFO closure, there was a significant reduction in frequency and duration of headache attacks, HIT-6 score, and VAS score at 3, 6, and 12 months’ follow-up (p<0.001). Migraine was completely relieved in 54 (40.30%) patients during 12 months’ follow-up. The frequency of migraine was reduced by >50% in 44 (32.84%) patients at 3 months’ follow-up and increased to 48 (35.82%) at 12 months’ follow-up. 31.03% patients remained residual shunt after 6 months of closure with varying improvements of headache. This study confirmed that PFO closure can effectively reduce frequency and duration of migraine and improve quality of life, but the definitive indications and long-term effect still need further research.

Clopidogrel can be an effective complementary prophylactic for drug-refractory migraine with patent foramen ovale

The present study aims to determine the potential prophylactic effect of clopidogrel for migraine with patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients who are poor responders to two or more common preventive medications. Migraineurs underwent contrast-enhanced transcranial doppler examination to confirm the presence of PFO and determine the right-to-left shunt degree. Clopidogrel 75 mg/day was added to the existing prophylactic regimen for 3 months and 6 months. The presence of PFO was found in 56.8% (151/266) of all patients with migraine and 70.2% (59/84) of migraine with aura (MHA), and among MHA a large shunt was observed in 36 patients. Twenty-six patients with drug-refractory migraine took clopidogrel 75 mg/day for 3 months. Compared with those at baseline, headache frequencies and attack durations were significantly lower (6.17±3.93/month (M) vs 3.28±2.67/M, p=0.003; 13.62±13.98/hour (H) vs 7.36±7.33/H, p=0.0049, respectively); visual analog scale scores and migraine disability assessment scores were also obviously decreased (6.32±1.97 vs 4.71±1.20, p<0.001; 22.14±7.13 vs 16.00±5.92, p=0.001, respectively). These improvements were maintained for 6 months in 12 patients. We concluded that PFO was closely correlated with migraine, especially in MHA. Clopidogrel could act as an effective complementary prophylactic for migraine with PFO in patients with poor response to routine prophylactics.

Epidemiology of Patent Foramen Ovale in General Population and in Stroke Patients: A Narrative Review

Introduction: Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in selected patients with cryptogenic cerebrovascular ischemic events (CEs) decreases the risk of recurrent stroke; however, optimal patient selection criteria are still under investigation. Candidates for PFO closure are usually selected from the pool of CE patients with a high risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score. The RoPE score calculates the probability that PFO is causally related to stroke, based on PFO prevalence in patients with CE compared with that in healthy subjects. The latter has been set at 25% based on the average of autopsy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) studies.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of studies investigating PFO prevalence in general population and in patients with CE and non-CE using autopsy, TEE, transcranial Doppler (TCD) or transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Studies were excluded if they (1) reported data from referred subjects with underlying cerebrovascular disease or (2) did not specify etiologically the events.

Results: In healthy/control subjects, PFO prevalence was 24.2% (1,872/7,747) in autopsy studies, 23.7% (325/1,369) in TEE, 31.3% (111/355) in TCD, and 14.7% (186/1,267) in TTE studies. All diagnostic modalities included PFO prevalence was higher in CE compared with healthy/control population [odds ratio (OR) = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.5–3.8] and compared with non-CE (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 2.0–2.6). In patients with CE, PFO prevalence in the young compared to the old was higher when the diagnostic modality was TEE (48.9 vs. 27.3%, p < 0.0001, OR = 2.6 with 95% CI = 2.0–3.3) or TCD (58.1 vs. 41%, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.6–2.5), but not TTE (53.3 vs. 37.5%, p = 0.16). Regarding non-CE, PFO prevalence in the young compared to the old was higher when the diagnostic modality was TEE (20 vs. 12.9%, OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0–2.8) but not TTE (10.4 vs. 7.8%, p = 0.75) or TCD (22.8 vs. 20.1%, p = 0.56).

Conclusions: Given the limitations of autopsy and TEE studies, there is good reason not to take a fixed 25% PFO prevalence for granted. The estimation of degree of causality may be underestimated or overestimated in populations with PFO prevalence significantly lower or higher than the established. Given the high sensitivity, non-invasive nature, low cost, and repeatability of TCD, future large-scale TCD-based studies should investigate potential heterogeneity in PFO prevalence in different healthy racial/ethnic populations.

Patent foramen ovale

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common anatomical cause of an interatrial shunt. It is usually asymptomatic but may cause paradoxical embolism, manifesting as stroke, myocardial infarction or visceral/peripheral ischaemia. PFO is a risk factor for stroke and may be associated with migraine with aura. New evidence suggests PFO closure reduces the risk of recurrent ischaemic stroke in a highly selected population of stroke survivors: those aged 60 years or younger with a cryptogenic stroke syndrome, a large right-to-left shunt, an atrial septal aneurysm and no evidence of atrial fibrillation. They benefit from percutaneous PFO closure in addition to antiplatelet therapy, rather than antiplatelet therapy alone. Current evidence does not support PFO closure in the treatment of migraine.

Effect of Residual Interatrial Shunt on Migraine Burden After Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the long-term effect of transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure on migraineurs with and without aura and examine the effect of residual right-to-left shunt.

BACKGROUND

Many studies reported improvement in migraine symptoms after PFO closure, yet randomized trials failed to reach its clinical endpoints.

METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed data from 474 patients who underwent transcatheter PFO closure at Massachusetts General Hospital. Patients completed a migraine burden questionnaire at baseline and at follow-up. Migraine severity is reported as migraine frequency (days/month), average duration (min), and migraine burden (days × min/month). Improvement following closure was defined as complete abolishment of symptoms or >50% reduction in migraine burden.

RESULTS

A total of 110 migraineurs who underwent PFO closure were included; 77.0% had aura and 23.0% were without aura, and 91.0% had a cryptogenic stroke. During long-term median follow-up of 3.2 (interquartile range: 2.1 to 4.9) years, there was a significant improvement in migraine symptoms in migraineurs with or without aura. Migraine burden was reduced by >50% in 87.0% of patients, and symptoms were completely abolished in 48%. Presence of aura was associated with abolishment of migraine (odds ratio: 4.30; 95% confidence interval: 1.50 to 12.30; p = 0.006). At 6 months after PFO closure, residual right-to-left shunt was present in 26% of patients. Absence of right-to-left shunt was associated with improvement in migraine burden by >50% (odds ratio: 4.60; 95% confidence interval: 1.30 to 16.10; p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up after transcatheter PFO closure was associated with significant improvement in migraine burden. Aura was a predictor of abolishing symptoms. Absence of residual right-to-left shunt was a predictor of significant reduction in migraine burden.

Patent Foramen Ovale, the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy Alone or Anticoagulant Therapy Alone Versus Device Closure for Cryptogenic Stroke: A Review of the Literature and Current Recommendations

Cryptogenic stroke and its relation to the Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a long-debated topic. Recent clinical trials have unequivocally established the relationship between cryptogenic strokes and paradoxical embolism across the PFO. This slit-like communication exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after birth. PFO may persist as a narrow channel of communication between the right and left atria in approximately 25-27% of adults. In this review, we examine the clinical relevance of the PFO with analysis of the latest trials evaluating catheter-based closure of PFO's for cryptogenic stroke. We also review the current evidence examining the use of antiplatelet medications versus anticoagulants for stroke prevention in those patients with PFO who do not qualify for closure per current guidelines.

The Connection Between Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine

"Observational studies have identified a relationship between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine headache. In people who have migraine with aura, 40% to 60% have a PFO, compared with 20% to 30% in the general adult population. It is hypothesized that migraine, especially migraine with aura, may be triggered by hypoxemia or vasoactive chemicals (eg, serotonin), which are ordinarily metabolized during passage through the lungs. Although PFO closure is currently not a FDA-approved therapy for migraines, randomized trials suggest that this intervention may benefit a subgroup of migraineurs."

The Burden of Migraine in Adults with Atrial Septal Defect: A Nationwide Cohort Study

We aimed to investigate migraine diagnoses in a hospital setting, use of prescription migraine medicine and levels of serotonin in patients with atrial septal defect. Using Danish national registries to identify all patients born before 1994 diagnosed with atrial septal defect between 1959 and 2013, thus including 2277 patients and a gender and age matched comparison cohort of 22756. Plasma serotonin was measured in 136 patients with a small, unclosed, atrial septal defects and 18 controls. Patients with atrial septal defect had an increased risk of receiving a migraine diagnosis (HR 3.4 (95% CI: 2.6–4.6)) and receiving migraine medicine (HR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2–2.5)). Ten years after closure, 93% of those using migraine medicine pre-closure, were still receiving this. The risk of having very high plasma serotonin levels was increased in patients with atrial septal defect compared with the control group, but there was no difference in the median values between the two groups. Migraine and use of migraine medicine were increased in atrial septal defect patients. The use of medicine was not diminished by closure of the defect. Plasma serotonin was severely elevated in 18% of the patients with atrial septal defect.

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, single-center, case-controlled study.

METHODS

We studied a total of 450 migraineurs who had right-to-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 one-year 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.

Right-to-left shunt and subclinical ischemic brain lesions in Chinese migraineurs: a multicentre MRI study

Background

Migraine is considered as a risk factor for subclinical brain ischemic lesions, and right-to-left shunt (RLS) is more common among migraineurs. This cross-sectional study assessed the association of RLS with the increased prevalence of subclinical ischemic brain lesions in migraineurs.

Methods

We enrolled 334 migraineurs from a multicentre study from June 2015 to August 2016. Participants were all evaluated using contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and completed a questionnaire covering demographics, the main risk factors of vascular disease, and migraine status. RLS was classified into four grades (Grade 0 = Negative; Grade I = 1 ≤ microbubbles (MBs) ≤ 10; Grade II = MBs > 10 and no curtain; Grade III = curtain). Silent brain ischemic infarctions (SBI) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were evaluated on MRI.

Results

We found no significant differences between migraineurs with RLS and migraineurs without RLS in subclinical ischemic brain lesions.SBI and WMHs did not increase with the size of the RLS(p for trend for SBI = 0.066, p for trend for WMHs = 0.543). Furthermore, curtain RLS in migraineurs was a risk factor for the presence of SBI (p = 0.032, OR = 3.47; 95%CI: 1.12−10.76). There was no association between RLS and the presence of WMHs.

Conclusion

Overall, RLS is not associated with increased SBI or WMHs in migraineurs. However, when RLS is present as a curtain pattern, it is likely to be a risk factor for SBIs in migraineurs.

Trial registration

No. NCT02425696; registered on April 21, 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-018-1022-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Migraine with aura and persistent foramen ovale

The association between migraine with aura and persistent foramen ovale (PFO), as well as other right-to-left shunts, is described. A hypothesis that might explain this association is discussed. Observational studies suggested that when a PFO is closed patients who have migraine with aura are usually improved. The Migraine Intervention with STARFlex Technology (MIST) Trial was a randomised double-blind trial in patients with severe intractable migraine with aura and a moderate-large PFO that compared implantation of STARFlex devices with the intention of closing their PFO versus a sham procedure. It was hoped that the trial would demonstrate whether PFO closure would cure migraine. A series of problems in design and execution of the trial are discussed.

Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients With Migraine: The PREMIUM Trial

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a prevalent and disabling disorder. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with migraine, but its role in the disorder remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure as a therapy for migraine with or without aura.

METHODS

The PREMIUM (Prospective, Randomized Investigation to Evaluate Incidence of Headache Reduction in Subjects With Migraine and PFO Using the AMPLATZER PFO Occluder to Medical Management) was a double-blind study investigating migraine characteristics over 1 year in subjects randomized to medical therapy with a sham procedure (right heart catheterization) versus medical therapy and PFO closure with the Amplatzer PFO Occluder device (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, Minnesota). Subjects had 6 to 14 days of migraine per month, had failed at least 3 migraine preventive medications, and had significant right-to-left shunt defined by transcranial Doppler. Primary endpoints were responder rate defined as 50% reduction in migraine attacks and adverse events. Secondary endpoints included reduction in migraine days and efficacy in patients with versus without aura.

RESULTS

Of 1,653 subjects consented, 230 were enrolled. There was no difference in responder rate in the PFO closure (45 of 117) versus control (33 of 103) groups. One serious adverse event (transient atrial fibrillation) occurred in 205 subjects who underwent PFO closure. Subjects in the PFO closure group had a significantly greater reduction in headache days (-3.4 vs. -2.0 days/month, p = 0.025). Complete migraine remission for 1 year occurred in 10 patients (8.5%) in the treatment group versus 1 (1%) in the control group (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

PFO closure did not meet the primary endpoint of reduction in responder rate in patients with frequent migraine. (Prospective, Randomized Investigation to Evaluate Incidence of Headache Reduction in Subjects With Migraine and PFO Using the AMPLATZER PFO Occluder to Medical Management [PREMIUM]; NCT00355056).

Hormonal contraceptives and risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine: a consensus statement from the European Headache Federation (EHF) and the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC)

Several data indicate that migraine, especially migraine with aura, is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and other vascular events. Of concern is whether the risk of ischemic stroke in migraineurs is magnified by the use of hormonal contraceptives. As migraine prevalence is high in women of reproductive age, it is common to face the issue of migraine and hormonal contraceptive use in clinical practice. In this document, we systematically reviewed data about the association between migraine, ischemic stroke and hormonal contraceptive use. Thereafter a consensus procedure among international experts was done to develop statements to support clinical decision making, in terms of cardiovascular safety, for prescription of hormonal contraceptives to women with migraine. Overall, quality of current evidence regarding the risk of ischemic stroke in migraineurs associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives is low. Available data suggest that combined hormonal contraceptive may further increase the risk of ischemic stroke in those who have migraine, specifically migraine with aura. Thus, our current statements privilege safety and provide several suggestions to try to avoid possible risks. As the quality of available data is poor further research is needed on this topic to increase safe use of hormonal contraceptives in women with migraine.

Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine Headache

Migraine headache is a common and debilitating disease that has a demonstrable association with the presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in multiple case series. Closure of PFO has been performed to try to treat migraine with aura, with variable results. Although early trials suggested benefit to PFO closure, these were of poor quality, and subsequent randomized trials have failed to yield positive results. This article discusses the evidence of an association with PFO and migraine headache, and the trials that have so far been performed to assess the benefits of closure.

Prevalence and extent of right-to-left shunt on contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler in Chinese patients with migraine in a multicentre case-control study

Background

The association between RLS and migraine is still debated. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and grade of RLS in Chinese patients with migraine and to evaluate the relationship between RLS and migraine.

Methods

A multi-center case-control study of contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler was conducted in 931 consecutive patients with migraine (240 of 931 had migraine with aura and 691 of 931 were in the migraine without aura group) and 282 were healthy adults. Clinical trial no. NCT02425696.

Results

The prevalence of RLS was 63.8% and 39.9% in the migraine with aura group (MA+) and migraine without aura group (MA−), respectively, significantly higher than that of the healthy group (29.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The positive rate of large RLS in the MA+ group and MA− group was 32.1% and 16.5%, respectively, significantly higher than healthy group (6.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). There was no difference among groups in terms of positive rate of permanent RLS ( p = 0.704).

Conclusion

This multi-centre case-control study suggested that there is an association between RLS and migraine with and without aura, especially when the shunt is large.

Right-to-left shunt detection using contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler: A comparison of provocation maneuvers between coughing and a modified Valsalva maneuver

Contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler (c-TCD) has been used to detect right-to-left shunts (RLS) because it is highly sensitive and cost-effective. The use of provocation maneuvers, such as physiologic maneuvers (e.g., coughing) and the Valsalva maneuver (VM) to transiently increase right atrial pressure and induce RLS increases the sensitivity of RLS detection. In this study, we sought to determine whether coughing is as effective as the VM in aiding the detection of RLS. We evaluated 162 subjects for RLS, using c-TCD under three different conditions: (i) resting state, (ii) coughing, and (iii) modified VM (m-VM), which involved blowing into a tube connected to a sphygmomanometer at 40 mmHg for 10 s. The positive rate of RLS detection with the m-VM was significantly higher than that with coughing. In addition, a difference between the two maneuvers was observed in terms of the degree of RLS seen. The m-VM should be widely used to detect RLS, because it is reliable, standardized, and cost-effective.

4D flow MRI assessment of right atrial flow patterns in the normal heart - influence of caval vein arrangement and implications for the patent foramen ovale

AIM

To investigate atrial flow patterns in the normal adult heart, to explore whether caval vein arrangement and patency of the foramen ovale (PFO) may be associated with flow pattern.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Time-resolved, three-dimensional velocity encoded magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow) was employed to assess atrial flow patterns in thirteen healthy subjects (6 male, 40 years, range 25-50) and thirteen subjects (6 male, 40 years, range 21-50) with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (CS-PFO). Right atrial flow was defined as vortical, helico-vortical, helical and multiple vortices. Time-averaged and peak systolic and diastolic flows in the caval and pulmonary veins and their anatomical arrangement were compared.

RESULTS

A spectrum of right atrial flow was observed across the four defined categories. The right atrial flow patterns were strongly associated with the relative position of the caval veins. Right atrial flow patterns other than vortical were more common (p = 0.015) and the separation between the superior and inferior vena cava greater (10±5mm versus 3±3mm, p = 0.002) in the CS-PFO group. In the left atrium all subjects except one had counter-clockwise vortical flow. Vortex size varied and was associated with left lower pulmonary vein flow (systolic r = 0.61, p = 0.001, diastolic r = 0.63 p = 0.002). A diastolic vortex was less common and time-averaged left atrial velocity was greater in the CS-PFO group (17±2cm/sec versus 15±1, p = 0.048). One CS-PFO subject demonstrated vortical retrograde flow in the descending aortic arch; all other subjects had laminar descending aortic flow.

CONCLUSION

Right atrial flow patterns in the normal heart are heterogeneous and are associated with the relative position of the caval veins. Patterns, other than 'typical' vortical flow, are more prevalent in the right atrium of those with cryptogenic stroke in the context of PFO. Left atrial flow patterns are more homogenous in normal hearts and show a relationship with flow arising from the left pulmonary veins.

Migraine With Neurological Features in a Scuba Diver With a Patent Foramen Ovale

Neurologic complications of decompression sickness have been observed for over half of a century. Little is known, however, about the risk of diving in patients that suffer from migraine with aura (MWA). We report the case of a pediatric patient with a history of migraine with aura, who was later found to have a PFO, who developed headache with neurological symptoms during a scuba diving lesson.

Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer and macular changes in patients with migraine

The aim of this study was to investigate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, macular changes (central subfield thickness (CST), cube average thickness (CAT), cube volume (CV) in patients with migraine using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to assess if there was any correlation with white matter lesions (WML). In this prospective case-control study, RNFL, GCL thickness and macular changes of 19 migraine patients with aura (MA), 41 migraine without aura (MO) and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were measured using OCT device. OCT measurements were taken at the same time of the day to minimize the effects of diurnal variation. The average, inferior and superior quadrant RNFL thickness were significantly thinner in patients with migraine (p = 0.017, p = 0.010, p = 0.048). There was also a significant difference between patients with and without aura in the mean and superior quadrant RNFL thickness (p = 0.02, p = 0.043).While there was a significant thinning in CST and CAT in patients with migraine (p = 0.020), there were no significant difference in GCL measurements (p = 0.184). When the groups were compared to the control group, there were significant differences between MA and the control group regarding average, superior and inferior quadrant RNLF thickness (p < 0.001, p = 0.025, p < 0.001). On the other hand, there were significant differences between MO and the control group regarding average and inferior faces (p = 0.037, p = 0.04). When OCT measurements were evaluated according to the frequency of attacks, CST and GCL thickness were significantly thinner in patients who had more than four attacks a month (p = 0.024, p = 0.014). In patients with WML, only CV measurements were significantly thinner than migraine patients without WML (p = 0.014). The decreased RNFL, CST, CAT and CV of the migraine patients might be related to the vascular pathology of the disease. Because WML was not correlated with the same measurements except CV, we think that further studies are needed to evaluate the etiopathologic relationship between OCT measurements and WML in migraine patients.

Migraine and risk of perioperative ischemic stroke and hospital readmission: hospital based registry study

OBJECTIVE

 To evaluate whether patients with migraine are at increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke and whether this may lead to an increased hospital readmission rate.

DESIGN

 Prospective hospital registry study.

SETTING

 Massachusetts General Hospital and two satellite campuses between January 2007 and August 2014.

PARTICIPANTS

 124 558 surgical patients (mean age 52.6 years; 54.5% women).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

 The primary outcome was perioperative ischemic stroke occurring within 30 days after surgery in patients with and without migraine and migraine aura. The secondary outcome was hospital readmission within 30 days of surgery. Exploratory outcomes included post-discharge stroke and strata of neuroanatomical stroke location.

RESULTS

 10 179 (8.2%) patients had any migraine diagnosis, of whom 1278 (12.6%) had migraine with aura and 8901 (87.4%) had migraine without aura. 771 (0.6%) perioperative ischemic strokes occurred within 30 days of surgery. Patients with migraine were at increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke (adjusted odds ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.39 to 2.21) compared with patients without migraine. The risk was higher in patients with migraine with aura (adjusted odds ratio 2.61, 1.59 to 4.29) than in those with migraine without aura (1.62, 1.26 to 2.09). The predicted absolute risk is 2.4 (2.1 to 2.8) perioperative ischemic strokes for every 1000 surgical patients. This increases to 4.3 (3.2 to 5.3) for every 1000 patients with any migraine diagnosis, 3.9 (2.9 to 5.0) for migraine without aura, and 6.3 (3.2 to 9.5) for migraine with aura. : Patients with migraine had a higher rate of readmission to hospital within 30 days of discharge (adjusted odds ratio 1.31, 1.22 to 1.41).

CONCLUSIONS

 Surgical patients with a history of migraine are at increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke and have an increased 30 day hospital readmission rate. Migraine should be considered in the risk assessment for perioperative ischemic stroke.

Prevalence of Right to Left Shunts in Japanese Patients with Migraine: A Single-center Study

Objective Several studies have shown an increased prevalence of right-to-left shunt (RLs) in migraine patients, particularly those with aura. However, the prevalence of RLs and its relation to Japanese patients with migraine are unknown. We investigated the prevalence of RLs in Japanese patients with migraine. Methods In total, 112 consecutive patients with migraine were recruited from our headache outpatient clinic. Migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MWOA) were diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta-version). Contrast transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to detect RLs, including patent foramen ovale (PFO). Then, the associations between RLs and patients' backgrounds and presence of aura were assessed. Results The overall prevalence of RLs and PFO in migraine patients was 54.5% and 43.8%, respectively. The prevalence of RLs and PFO in the MA group were significantly higher than in the MWOA group (RLs, 62.9% vs. 44.0%, p=0.046; PFO, 54.8% vs. 30.0%, p=0.008). There were no marked differences in the prevalence of large, middle and small shunts between MA and MWOA patients. Compared with the MWOA patients, the MA patients were younger (p=0.013) and had early onset age (p=0.013) and increased prevalence of photophobia (p=0.008). Conclusion RLs were found in over half of the Japanese patients with migraine. Our study suggests a possible link between RLs and MA.

Effectiveness and Safety of Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure for Migraine (EASTFORM) Trial

We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for the treatment of migraine in a Chinese population. This non-randomized clinical trial enrolled 258 consecutive substantial or severe migraineurs with a right-to-left shunt (RLS) (grade II–IV) and grouped subjects according to their election or refusal of PFO closure. Migraine was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders III-beta and evaluated using the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). In total, 241 participants (125 in the transcatheter closure group and 116 in the control group) were included in the study. In general, the PFO closure procedure was found to be safe. At 1 month after closure, 76.1% of patients returned for c-TCD evaluation; of these, 85.7% were downgraded to negative status or a grade-I shunt. Residual shunts and placebo effects were thought to resolve by 12 months post-procedure, when migraine impact was reported to decrease by 73.6%. Transcatheter PFO closure was demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of migraine by comparing HIT-6 scores between the transcatheter closure and control groups (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that transcatheter PFO closure is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of migraine in the Chinese population, especially in females with constant RLS. Clinical trial no. NCT02127294 (registered on April 29, 2014).

Right-to-Left Shunt and Migraine: The Strength of the Relationship

Several studies have shown that the prevalence of a cardial right-to-left shunt (RLS) in patients with migraine with aura is significantly higher than in patients without migraine. To assess the strength of the possible relationship between RLS and migraine, the literature concerning this subject was systematically reviewed. We identified seven relevant studies. Among patients with RLS migraine with aura was 3.5 times more prevalent than among subjects without RLS [Mantel–Haenszel odds ratio (ORMH) 3.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1, 5.8]. In patients with ischaemic stroke migraine was more than two times more prevalent in patients with RLS than in patients without RLS (ORMH 2.1; 95% CI 1.6, 2.9). Our review shows that there is a clear association between RLS and migraine, especially migraine with aura. The relationship between RLS and migraine is further substantiated by the observations of disappearance and improvement of migraine symptoms after closure of the foramen ovale. However, the mechanism as well as the question about causality of this association has to be further elucidated.

Migraine Symptoms Related to the Percutaneous Closure of An Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect: Report of Four Paediatric Cases and Review of the Literature

Several publications have recently suggested that atrial septal defect may be associated with the physiopathology of headache with migraine-type characteristics. We describe four previously asymptomatic paediatric patients with atrial septal defect who underwent percutaneous Amplatzer septal occluder device implantation and who subsequently developed symptoms compatible with migraine headache. The cases had normal echocardiograms after the intervention and a benign course with headache improvement after several weeks or months. There are paediatric patients with atrial septal defect who may dramatically develop migraine symptoms with or without aura following percutaneous correction of their defect. Large paediatric studies are needed to offer accurate prognoses for children and their families. The possibility of using clopidogrel to treat this type of headache is subject to debate.

History of Migraine and the Risk of Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection

The pathophysiology of spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD) is largely unknown. An association with migraine has been suggested, but not definitively proven. In the setting of a hospital-based prospective case-control study we assessed personal and family history of migraine in 72 patients with sCAD, 72 patients with cerebral infarct unrelated to a CAD (non-CAD) and 72 control subjects. Personal history of migraine was significantly associated to sCAD compared to non-CAD (59.7% vs. 30.6%; OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.41-7.01) and controls (18.1%; OR 7.41; 95% CI 3.11-17.64). As opposed to migraine with aura, migraine without aura was significantly more frequent among sCAD than among non-CAD (56.9% vs. 25.0%; OR 3.91; 95% CI 1.71-8.90) and controls (12.5%; OR 9.84; 95% CI 3.85-25.16). Similar results were observed when the frequencies of family history of migraine were compared. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that migraine may represent a predisposing condition for sCAD.

Is the search for right-to-left shunt still worthwhile?

OBJECTIVES

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common disembryogenic defect with well-attested prevalence but dubious etiopathogenetic linkage with cryptogenic stroke and different clinical conditions. Transcranial color-coded Doppler (TCCD) assures high accuracy in diagnosing right-to-left shunt (RLS) and its functional aspects. Aim of the study was to evaluate RLS prevalence and degree in subjects submitted to TCCD for conditions theoretically associated or caused by paradoxical embolism to the brain.

METHODS

PFO assessment, performed in 10 major diagnostic categories and a control group, followed a standardized protocol with a 10 or 20 microbubbles (MB) cutoff to identify any or only large RLS, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 2113 patients, a significant larger RLS prevalence was found in stroke (53.3%), TIA (45.7%) and migraine with aura (39.7%) when compared with non-migraineurs controls (25.5%). RLS degree was significantly higher in stroke and TIA patients: The ROC curve from MB load data helped to identify new cutoff values for both normal breathing (42 MB) and Valsalva (139 MB) tests. From logistic regression, a family history for PFO, ASA, and male gender appeared independent predictors of a RLS. By contrast, RLS seemed independent of white matter abnormalities presence on brain neuroimaging or stroke mimics.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to recently defined criteria, genetically determined inheritable traits and epidemiologic characteristics (male gender) should be taken into account when assessing PFO and related cerebrovascular risk profile. A newly defined threshold in TCCD MB count is suggested to discriminate shunts related to stroke and TIA from innocent ones.

Systemic right-to-left shunts, ischemic brain lesions, and persistent migraine activity

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether migraine in the general population is associated with increased risk of systemic right-to-left shunts (RLS) and whether RLS are associated with increased prevalence of brain infarcts and persistent recurrence of migraine attacks at older age.

METHODS

Brain MRI and transcranial Doppler with air contrast in 166 unselected migraineurs (mean age ± SD 56 ± 7.7 years; 70% women; n = 96 migraine with aura) and 69 controls (mean age ± SD 55 ± 7.6 years; 65% women) from the general population.

RESULTS

Participants with migraine with aura more frequently had Valsalva-induced RLS (60%), in particular large-sized, compared to controls (42%; odds ratio [OR] 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.9; p = 0.02) and participants with migraine without aura (40%; OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.2-4.3; p = 0.01). They also more frequently had spontaneous RLS (35%) than participants with migraine without aura (17%; OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3-5.6; p = 0.01) but not compared to controls (26%; OR 1.6; 95% CI 0.8-3.1; p = 0.2). Participants with migraine with aura and spontaneous RLS more frequently had persistent migraine activity (85%) than participants with migraine without spontaneous RLS (63%; OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.2-10.1; p = 0.03). Nine percent of participants with RLS had silent posterior circulation infarcts compared to 3% of participants without RLS (OR 2.8; 95% CI 0.9-9.3; p = 0.08), independent of migraine status. RLS were not associated with white matter lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

RLS are more prevalent in migraineurs with aura but do not explain the increased prevalence of silent posterior circulation infarcts or white matter lesions in migraineurs. Spontaneous RLS are associated with persistent migraine.

Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine: Closing the Debate--A Review

BACKGROUND

A link between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine as well as the utility of closure of PFO and its effect on migraine have been subjects of debate. The present review is an effort to gather the available evidence on this topic and formulate recommendations.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) was performed. A separate search in associated reference lists of identified studies was done. Observational studies and clinical trials published in English using the International Headache Society criteria for diagnosis of migraine were included in the analysis. The search was performed in 3 categories: prevalence of migraine in patients with PFO, prevalence of PFO in migraine patients, and effect of PFO closure and its effect on migraine. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations during review of these studies was analyzed.

RESULTS

About 14 observational studies with 2602 subjects who had PFO were identified. Migraine prevalence ranged from 16% to 64%. Another 20 studies reported 2444 patients with migraine; the prevalence of PFO ranged from 15% to 90%. About 20 observational studies (1194 patients) that examined the effect of PFO closure on migraine were identified. Resolution of migraine was reported in 10% to 83% of patients, improvement in 14% to 83%, no change in 1% to 54%, and worsening in 4% to 8%. The overall quality of these observational studies was poor. Finally, 3 randomized clinical trials included a total of 238 patients who underwent PFO closure compared with 234 patients in the control groups. All 3 trials failed to meet their primary end points defined as migraine resolution and greater than 50% reduction in migraine days at 1 year. In 2 of the clinical trials, there was some benefit noted in a small subset of migraine patients with aura, but the numbers were too small to extrapolate the findings to the general migraine population.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no good quality evidence to support a link between migraine and PFO. Closure of PFO for migraine prevention does not significantly reduce the intensity and severity of migraine. We do not recommend the routine use of this procedure in current practice.