Detecting Patent Foramen Ovale after Cryptogenic Stroke - A Single Center Experience in Taiwan.

Background: Cryptogenic strokes related to a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in young patients have been reported. Percutaneous transcatheter occlusion is considered a safe and effective method for achieving PFO closure. Here, we present our experience of PFO closure in a series of young patients diagnosed with cryptogenic stroke. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 62 patients who were younger than 60 years of age and previously diagnosed with cryptogenic stroke. They underwent cardiac catheterization for the diagnosis of PFO and/or device closure. Bubble and echocardiography studies, the patients' characteristics, complications, and recurrence of stroke were recorded. The Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score index was also calculated. Results: Patients with a bubble study grade greater than grade I were likely to have PFO (odds ratio: 22.2 [95% confidence interval: 1.2-412.3]). The mean RoPE score in the PFO closure group was 7.18. Two patients (3.9%) developed atrial fibrillation during the procedure. Ischemic stroke recurred in two patients (3.3%). Conclusions: Combining a bubble study with transcranial Doppler ultrasound or transthoracic echocardiography may increase the validity of PFO diagnosis. Because of the low recurrence rate of stroke and low complication rate, it is important to identify PFO patients with a bubble study grade greater than grade I. Closure of PFO may be a good strategy for preventing recurrent stroke among such patients.