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Microembolic signals in patients with cryptogenic stroke with or without patent foramen ovale

Abdolhamid Shariat1, Ehsan Yaghoubi, Reza Nemati

  • 1Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. yaghoubie@yahoo.com

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases : the Official Journal of National Stroke Association
|April 5, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microembolic signals (MESs) occurred more frequently in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO), especially when combined with atrial septal aneurysm, suggesting PFO is a likely source of MESs in cryptogenic stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Cryptogenic stroke remains a diagnostic challenge.
  • Microembolic signals (MESs) are potential indicators of embolic sources.
  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cardiac anomaly associated with stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and frequency of MESs in cryptogenic stroke patients.
  • To identify contributing factors for MESs, particularly the role of PFO.
  • To explore the association between PFO, atrial septal aneurysm, and MESs.

Main Methods:

  • Transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring was used for MES detection.
  • Study included 62 patients with PFO (PFO(+)) and 34 patients without PFO (PFO(-)).
  • Patients had acute cryptogenic stroke.

Main Results:

  • MES incidence was similar between PFO(+) (27.4%) and PFO(-) (17.6%) groups.
  • MES frequency was significantly higher in PFO(+) patients (0.70 ± 1.47) versus PFO(-) patients (0.23 ± 0.55).
  • Higher MES incidence was observed in patients with both PFO and atrial septal aneurysm (P = .044).

Conclusions:

  • PFO is a likely source of MESs in cryptogenic stroke.
  • The association of PFO with atrial septal aneurysm increases the likelihood of MESs.
  • Further research may elucidate specific mechanisms linking PFO and MESs in stroke etiology.

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