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Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Decline in mean platelet volume in patients with patent foramen ovale undergoing percutaneous closure
Barış Düzel1, Nihan Kahya Eren2, Rida Berilgen3
1Mersin State Hospital, Mersin, Turkey.
Insights
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be linked to higher platelet activity. Percutaneous PFO closure significantly reduced mean platelet volume (MPV), suggesting a potential mechanism for stroke prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a potential cause of cryptogenic stroke, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- Investigating platelet activity markers like mean platelet volume (MPV) may offer insights into PFO-related neurological events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare MPV levels in PFO patients with and without cryptogenic stroke.
- To evaluate changes in MPV before and after percutaneous PFO closure.
Main Methods:
- The study included 16 PFO patients undergoing percutaneous closure and 15 asymptomatic PFO patients.
- MPV was measured and compared between groups and pre/post-procedure.
Main Results:
- MPV levels were similar between PFO patients with and without stroke (9.34 ± 1.64 vs 9.1 ± 1.34 fl; p = 0.526).
- A significant decrease in MPV was observed post-percutaneous PFO closure compared to pre-procedural levels (9.34 ± 1.64 vs 8.3 ± 1.12 fl; p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Interatrial communication via PFO may be associated with elevated MPV and increased platelet activity.
- Percutaneous PFO closure leads to a reduction in MPV, potentially mitigating stroke risk.
Introduction:
The presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is considered a possible cause for cryptogenic stroke. The mechanism underlying the ischaemic neurological events in the presence of PFO has not been firmly established. The purpose of this study was to compare: (1) the mean platelet volume levels in PFO patients with and without a cryptogenic stroke, and (2) pre- and post-procedural mean platelet volumes (MPV) in patients undergoing percutaneous PFO closure.
Methods:
Sixteen PFO patients undergoing percutaneous closure to prevent recurrent ischaemic events and 15 asymptomatic patients with PFO were enrolled in the study. Mean platelet volume was compared between patients with and without a history of stroke. We also compared pre- and post-procedural MPV levels in patients undergoing percutaneous PFO closure.
Results:
Mean platelet volume, which is a marker for platelet activity, was similar in PFO patients with and without stroke (9.34 ± 1.64 vs 9.1 ± 1.34 fl; p = 0.526). Interestingly, MPV decreased significantly after percutaneous closure compared to pre-procedural levels (9.34 ± 1.64 vs 8.3 ± 1.12 fl; p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest interatrial communication through a PFO may be related to increased MPV and increased platelet activity.
