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Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Pediatric Stroke Due to Thromboembolism Secondary to Prominent Eustachian Valve With Patent Foramen Ovale
Sindhu V Nambiar1, Thomas Mathew2, Mohammed Shakeebuddin Kashif3
1Department of Neurology and Radiology, Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Insights
Pediatric strokes can stem from paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) during a Valsalva maneuver. Closure of the PFO may be warranted in select cases, especially with a large Eustachian valve.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Pediatric strokes have varied etiologies.
- Thromboembolism can paradoxically occur in children with cardiac defects featuring a right-to-left shunt.
Background:
Pediatric strokes can occur from diverse causes, and thromboembolism can occur paradoxically in cardiac defects with right-to-left shunt, leading to stroke.
Case Summary:
An 8-year-old boy presented to the pediatric emergency unit with sudden-onset right-sided stroke after a Valsalva maneuver. Neuroimaging revealed a left middle cerebral and middle cerebral-anterior cerebral watershed infarct with a thrombus in the proximal internal carotid artery. Cardiac evaluation showed a coexisting large persistent Eustachian valve and patent foramen ovale (PFO). He was started on aspirin and other supportive measures. He underwent an elective closure of the PFO.
Discussion:
A PFO can develop a right-to-left shunt during a Valsalva maneuver, causing paradoxical embolism of right heart system clots. Though treated medically, certain criteria, including presence of a large Eustachian valve, may warrant closure of the defect.
Take-Home Messages:
Cardiac thromboembolism should be considered in any sudden-onset pediatric cryptogenic strokes, especially after a Valsalva maneuver such as lifting a weight. Treatment strategies may differ from other strokes and may involve repair of the cardiac defect. This decision should be individualized for each pediatric case.
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