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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Prevalence of patent foramen ovale in patients with migraine
Asli Demirtaş Tatlidede1, Buket Oflazoğlu, Seden Erten Celik
1Sişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Recent evidence supports that the prevalence of patent foramen ovale is higher in patients with migraine with aura. We conducted a case-control study and searched for intra-atrial right to left shunt in 53 patients with migraine. PFO was detected by means of transthoracic echocardiography with administration of contrast medium during valsalva maneuver and the results were compared with age and sex matched 27 healthy controls. Patent foramen ovale was more frequent in the migraine group (p<.01). The percentages of PFO in migraine patients with aura, without aura and the control group were 66.7%, 47.4% and 22.2%, respectively. Our results are supportive of an association between PFO and migraine, especially with aura.
Insights
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is more common in migraine patients, particularly those with aura. This study found a higher prevalence of PFO in individuals experiencing migraines compared to healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Migraine with aura is increasingly linked to patent foramen ovale (PFO).
- Understanding the association between PFO and migraine is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of PFO in patients with migraine.
- To determine if PFO is more frequent in migraine patients, especially those with aura.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted involving 53 migraine patients and 27 healthy controls.
- Transthoracic echocardiography with contrast during Valsalva maneuver was used to detect intra-atrial right-to-left shunts (PFO).
Main Results:
- Patent foramen ovale was significantly more frequent in the migraine group (p<.01).
- PFO prevalence was 66.7% in migraine with aura, 47.4% in migraine without aura, and 22.2% in controls.
Conclusions:
- Results support a significant association between PFO and migraine.
- The link between PFO and migraine appears stronger in patients experiencing aura.
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