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Updated: Apr 3, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale is Associated With Improvement of Migraine
Xiao-Ming Ge1,2, Kang-Ning Han1, Fei Gao1
1Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100029 Beijing, China.
Background:
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most common congenital heart defect and has been linked to migraines; however, the relationship between PFO and migraine remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether percutaneous PFO closure alleviates migraines and explore the association between PFO and migraine.
Methods:
Data from 5581 inpatients with PFO were collected between 2015 and 2020. A total of 71 stroke-free adults with PFO (45 with closure and 26 without) were included. Self-reported migraine history, frequency, and severity (0-10) were assessed. Outcomes were compared between patients with and without PFO closure, and logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between PFO closure and migraine improvement.
Results:
PFO closure significantly reduced migraine frequency and severity, with greater improvements observed after 2 years (p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that PFO closure was associated with a higher likelihood of migraine improvement than non-closure (odds ratio (OR): 5.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76-17.68; p = 0.004). This association persisted after adjusting for multiple risk factors (p = 0.005).
Conclusion:
Percutaneous PFO closure significantly improved migraines by reducing both frequency and severity, supporting a potential association between PFO and migraine.
Insights
Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) significantly reduced migraine frequency and severity. This intervention supports a potential link between PFO and migraine improvement in adults.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital heart defect.
- The association between PFO and migraines is debated.
- This study investigates PFO closure for migraine relief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if percutaneous PFO closure alleviates migraines.
- To explore the relationship between PFO and migraine.
- To evaluate migraine improvement post-PFO closure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 71 stroke-free adults with PFO (2015-2020).
- Comparison of migraine frequency and severity between PFO closure and non-closure groups.
- Logistic regression to determine the association between PFO closure and migraine improvement.
Main Results:
- PFO closure significantly decreased migraine frequency and severity (p < 0.001).
- Closure was associated with a 5.57-fold increased likelihood of migraine improvement (OR: 5.57, 95% CI: 1.76-17.68; p = 0.004).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for risk factors (p = 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous PFO closure effectively reduces migraine frequency and severity.
- The findings suggest a potential link between PFO and migraine.
- PFO closure may be a viable treatment option for select migraine patients.
