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[Stroke. are there any difference between patients with or without patent foramen ovale in left atrial appendage
Alejandro E Contreras1, Federico Perrote, Ignacio Concari
1Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Privado Centro Médico de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina. aletreras@hotmail.com
Insights
This study found no difference in left atrial appendage systolic function between patients with and without a patent foramen ovale after experiencing an ischemic cerebrovascular event.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Ischemic cerebrovascular events, such as stroke, are a significant health concern.
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a potential risk factor for cryptogenic stroke.
- Left atrial appendage (LAA) function may play a role in thrombus formation and embolism.
Purpose:
- To evaluate and compare the systolic function of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients who have experienced ischemic cerebrovascular events.
- To determine if the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) influences LAA systolic function in this patient group.
Summary:
- A study involving 17 patients with ischemic cerebrovascular events compared LAA systolic velocity in those with and without PFO, using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
- No significant difference in mean LAA systolic velocity was observed between patients with PFO (67.5 ± 11.8 cm/sec) and without PFO (65.7 ± 24.3 cm/sec).
- LAA systolic velocity in ischemic patients did not differ significantly from a control group (77.6 ± 28.9 cm/sec).
Impact:
- Findings suggest that PFO may not directly impact LAA systolic function in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular events.
- This research contributes to understanding the pathophysiology of stroke in patients with PFO.
- Further investigation may clarify the role of LAA function in stroke etiology and risk stratification.
Introduction:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the systolic function of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in a group with and without patent foramen ovale (PFO) who suffered ischemic cerebrovascular events.
Material And Methods:
Between September 2010 and October 2011, 17 patients were referred for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after suffering a stroke. PFO was defined as the passage of at least one bubble through atrial septum with bubble test. We compared systolic velocity in the appendage between patients with and without PFO and a control group.
Results:
Were 8 women and 9 men, mean age 54.1 ± 19.5 years and 8 patients were under 55 years of age. All patients had suffered a ischemic cerebrovascular events, 41.2% had stroke, 52.9% transient ischemic attack and amaurosis fugax 5.9%. In the assessment of TEE, 11.8% had atrial septal aneurysm and 35.3% PFO. Mean LAA systolic velocity was 66.3 ± 20.3 cm / sec. There was no difference in systolic velocity of the LAA between patients with and without PFO (67.5 ± 11.8 cm / sec vs 65.7 ± 24.3 cm / sec respectively, p = 0.87). The control group of 8 patients, 5 women and 3 men, mean age 39.5 ± 18 years, had a LAA systolic velocity of 77.6 ± 28.9 cm / sec, no significant differences with ischemic patients.
Conclusion:
There were no differences in systolic function of the LAA between patients with and without PFO with ischemic cerebrovascular event.
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