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Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
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Patent foramen ovale and prothrombotic markers in young stroke patients

Robert Belvís1, Amparo Santamaría, Joan Martí-Fàbregas

  • 1Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. 32353rbn@comb.cat

Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis : an International Journal in Haemostasis and Thrombosis
|September 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is common in cryptogenic stroke. This study found no increased prothrombotic markers in PFO patients, but large PFOs were linked to antiphospholipid antibodies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cardiac finding in patients with cryptogenic stroke.
  • Understanding the association between PFO and prothrombotic markers is crucial for stroke risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of specific prothrombotic markers in young cryptogenic stroke patients with and without PFO.
  • To explore the relationship between PFO size and prothrombotic markers.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 39 cryptogenic stroke patients under 55 years.
  • PFO diagnosis using simultaneous transcranial Doppler and transesophageal echocardiography.
  • Analysis of antiphospholipid antibodies, protein C/S deficiencies, Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, and Factor XII mutation.

Main Results:

  • PFO was detected in 43.6% of patients.
  • No significant differences in prothrombotic markers were found between PFO and non-PFO groups.
  • Antiphospholipid antibodies were more frequent in patients with large PFO.
  • Large PFOs were associated with deep venous thrombosis and atrial septal aneurysm.

Conclusions:

  • PFO itself is not associated with an increased burden of common prothrombotic markers in young cryptogenic stroke patients.
  • Antiphospholipid antibodies may be a specific risk factor associated with large PFOs, potentially increasing thrombotic risk.

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