Microembolic signals in patients with cryptogenic stroke with or without patent foramen ovale

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the incidence, frequency, and contributing factors of microembolic signals (MESs) in patients with cryptogenic stroke with or without patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Methods: Transcranial Doppler monitoring for MESs detection was performed for 62 patients with acute cryptogenic stroke with PFO (PFO(+)) and 34 patients with acute cryptogenic stroke without PFO (PFO(-)).

Results: The incidence of MESs was not significantly higher in PFO(+) patients (17/62, 27.4%) in comparison to PFO(-) patients (6/34, 17.6%; odds ratio 1.76, 95% confidence interval 0.62-5.00; P = .327). The frequency of MESs in PFO(+) patients was statistically higher than that of PFO(-) patients (0.70 ± 1.47 v 0.23 ± 0.55; P = .026). MESs was presented with higher incidence in a subgroup of patients suffering from both patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm (P = .044).

Conclusions: The likelihood of PFO as a source of MESs is higher when associated with atrial septal aneurysm.