Patent Foramen Ovale Research Articles

Atrial septal defect detected on transesophageal echocardiography prior to atrial fibrillation ablation: prevalence, clinical features, and outcome after ablation

Abstract Background The prevalence rate of atrial septal defect (ASD) in the general population is about 0.09%. Long-term volume overload due to a left-to-right shunt (LRS) caused by ASD commonly results in atrial fibrillation (AF). Moreover, left atrial (LA) enlargement could lead to an increase stretched type patent foramen ovale (PFO) and LRS. However, the prevalence, clinical features, and clinical impact of LRS in AF prior to ablation remain unknown. Methods A total of 2966 AF patients (63 ± 11 years, 782 women) who underwent initial AF ablation were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) prior to ablation. Then, they were divided into three groups: the ASD, PFO, and control groups. Large ASD was defined as a defect with a diameter of ≥ 5 mm. Clinical and echocardiographic features and 5-year AF-free survival rate after ablation were compared between each group. Results Based on TEE prior to AF ablation, 40 (1.3%) and 174 (5.9%) patients had ASD and PFO, respectively. Patients with PFO had a high prevalence of persistent AF (P < 0.001). The The LA volume was larger in the ASD and PFO groups than in the control group (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the AF-free survival rate was similar between all ASD groups (49 ± 10%, P = 0.24). Further, the 5-year AF-free survival rate was significantly lower in the large ASD group than in the small (< 5 mm) ASD, PFO, and control groups (28% ± 14%, 61% ± 3%, 59% ± 5%, and 60% ± 1%, respectively; P = 0.021). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that a large ASD was an independent predictor of AF recurrence (odds ratio: 2.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.17−4.85, P = 0.02). Conclusions Patients with AF prior to ablation had a higher prevalence of ASD than the general population. TEE could identify ASD undiagnosed on transthoracic echocardiography. In particular, a large ASD on TEE could be associated with poor outcome after AF ablation.

Prevalence of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale in a large cohort of sudden cardiac death patients undergoing autopsy

Abstract Background The prevalence of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects has previously been described in early autopsy series and transoesophageal echocardiograms as ranging from 25 to 30%. Updated pathologic data is lacking. Methods A state-wide prospective out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry identified all patients aged 1 to 50 years who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest in Victoria, Australia from April 2019 to April 2022 and subsequently underwent autopsy with a cardiac cause of death identified. A comprehensive autopsy assessment was performed including visual description of any atrial septal defect and identification of probe patency of the foramen ovale. Results 517 patients underwent autopsy in the setting of sudden cardiac death with documentation of their atrial septal status. 36 patients (6.9%) had a probe-patent foramen ovale, 2 patients (0.4%) had secundum atrial septal defects, and 2 patients (0.4%) had a simultaneous atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale (1 of whom had undergone percutaneous repair of both lesions). 12 patients (2.3%) had a prior history of cerebrovascular accident either recorded on medical history or detected on neuropathological examination; however none of these patients had atrial septal defects or patent foramen ovale. Conclusions The combined rate of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale in a cohort of approximately 500 patients undergoing autopsy was 7.7%. None of these patients had experienced a cerebrovascular accident. This appears lower than earlier reports, and warrants further investigation in expanded cohorts of patients.

Reporting quality of randomized controlled trials of percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure for the treatment of migraine based on the CONSORT statement

Abstract Background Although several retrospective and non-randomized studies support reduction of migraine frequency and severity after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this setting have not met their primary efficacy endpoints. In addition, currently there are is no analysis of the quality of RCTs of percutaneous PFO closure for the treatment of migraine. Purpose The present study aims to determine the reporting quality of RCTs focusing on the PFO closure for the treatment of migraine according to the revised CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 checklist. Methods Systematic searches of 2 databases (MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane library) were conducted. The search strategy identified reports on RCTs involving patients with migraine and PFO who were randomized to transcatheter device closure of PFO or medical treatment in order to investigate the effect of PFO closure for migraine. The primary objective was to establish the mean CONSORT compliance of RCTs of PFO closure for the treatment of migraine and secondary objectives were the calculation of compliance per CONSORT item and effect of CONSORT statement in high-ranked medical journals. Quality of reporting was assessed using a 37-item questionnaire based on the revised CONSORT 2010 checklist. Reporting above 75% of the items was defined as adequate compliance to the CONSORT statement. Results The search identified 3 eligible articles for analysis. The mean compliance was 69.66% ± 4.49%. Among the studies, only 1 RCT (PRIMA Trial) registered a good reporting quality (75% of the CONSORT items), whereas there were no RCTs with a CONSORT compliance less than 50% (Figure 1). Among assessed items, 19 items (51.4%) were reported in all (100%) of the articles. Also, 26 of the 37 items of the checklist (70.3%) were reported in more than half of the studies. The majority of the Results items registered an adequate reporting whereas randomization items were not so sufficiently reported overall (Figure 2). Each one of the RCTs used in the analysis were published in high-ranked medical journals (IF>30). However, none of the studies reported all 37 items achieving 100% CONSORT compliance score. Conclusions Based on the present results, quality of reporting in RCTs focusing on the PFO closure for the treatment of migraine remains suboptimal according to the CONSORT analysis. In this sense, better designed RCTs on the management of migraine by PFO closure are currently needed to guide future clinical practice.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Anesthesia Approach for Nephrectomy in Full-Term Neonate with Suspected Wilms Tumor and Patent Foramen Ovale: A Case Report

Introduction: Nephrectomy for Wilms tumor presents a considerable challenge in pediatric anesthesia. This study aimed to describe the anesthesia approach for nephrectomy in a full-term neonate with suspected Wilms tumor and patent foramen ovale.
 Case presentation: A 25-day-old male neonate was referred with a longstanding intraabdominal mass present since birth. Echocardiography revealed a patent foramen ovale with a diameter of 2.7 mm and a left-to-right shunt. The patient also had a diagnosis of partial ileus obstruction, likely caused by the tumor's pressure on the left kidney. Preoperative fasting adhered to a "6-4-3-1" regimen. Normoglycemia was maintained throughout the perioperative period. The case was managed under general anesthesia without the use of the rapid sequence induction technique. Caudal analgesia was administered using 1.14 ml of 0.175% bupivacaine. Vigilant monitoring of blood loss, prevention of hypothermia, and effective pain management are vital aspects of the surgical procedure. For postoperative pain management, analgesia and morphine infusion were employed. The patient was then transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for observation for any signs of complications related to anesthesia and surgery.
 Conclusion: Nephrectomy in neonates is one of the challenges of pediatric anesthesia. Pre-anesthesia preparation in relation to hypertension control, analgesia plan and postoperative care site, transfusion strategy, and management of intravascular extension.

Presence of patent foramen ovale increases risk of filamentous thrombi on interatrial septum in atrial fibrillation/flutter patients

Abstract Introduction The presence of interatrial septum (IAS) strands in atrial fibrillation or flutter (Afi/Afl) patients is frequently overlooked despite being a common occurrence. Purpose The study aims to understand the prevalence and possible pathological nature of these strands. Methods The study included 454 consecutive Afi/Afl patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography from June 2019 to January 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of strands on the IAS (strand and non-strand group). The echocardiograms and clinical characteristics of the patients were reviewed. The difference between the two groups was compared using independent t or chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the IAS strands. The study also examined surgical samples of the IAS strands of a patient pathologically. Results The study found that 127 (28%) of the enrolled patients had strands on the right atrial side of the IAS. The strand group had a significantly higher incidence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) (p<0.0001) than the non-strand group. Patients in the strand group were also more likely to be over 60 years of age(p=0.085), obese(p=0.073), and have abnormal renal function(p=0.086). Multivariate analysis revealed that PFO was independently associated with the presence of IAS strands (OR=64.51, 95% CI: 31.35-132.76, p<0.0001). The pathological examination of the IAS strands in a patient revealed filamentous thrombi. Conclusions The study highlights the high prevalence of IAS strands in Afi/Afl patients. The presence of PFO significantly increases the risk of IAS filamentous thrombi. This study is the first report on the pathological nature of IAS filaments in Afi/Afl patients, offering important insights into the causes of Afi/Afl-induced cardiogenic embolism other than left atrial appendage thrombi.

Comparative analysis between transcranial doppler and transesophageal echocardiogram in diagnosing residual shunt after persistent foramen ovale closure

Abstract Background The degree of residual shunt (RS) after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a potent predictor for the recurrence of stroke. Evaluating the extent of residual shunt grade is thus essential. Currently, there is no gold standard on guidelines of how to evaluate RS. Although transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is known to be most accurate in evaluating RS, it is not routinely performed due to its invasiveness and expensive costs. Conversely, the transcranial doppler (TCD) test is a less invasive convenient test for detecting RS. Accordingly, we sought to comparatively analyze the accuracy of TCD compared to TEE on assessing RS after PFO closure. Methods We analyzed patients who underwent PFO closure for cryptogenic stroke (CS), who received a TCD and TEE test within 1 year of procedure. All patients received TEE and TCD on the same day within one year (288±38 days) after PFO closure. Results We analyzed a total of 55 patients (age: 55.2 ± 11.1, male sex: 74.2%, PFO grade ≥ moderate: 83.6%, follow up duration: 28.9 ± 14.9 months). RS was confirmed in 24 (44%) and 23 (42%) of patients in the TCD and TEE test, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of TCD was 0.77 and 0.96 for predicting the presence of RS, respectively. The predictive performance of TCD was consistent over age ≤65 (sensitivity 0.73, specificity 0.96) and RS≤mild (sensitivity 0.83, specificity 0.96) subgroups. Positive TCD (adjusted odds ratio 101.2; 95%CI, 9.5-1074.8; p<0.0001) was a highly significant independent predictor for the presence of RS. Conclusion We demonstrate for the first time that TCD may be a reliable non-invasive test for substituting TEE in evaluating RS. Physicians may be able to rule out the presence of RS and minimize the prescription of TEE when TCD test is negative due to the high specificity.

Patent foramen ovale: high-risk echocardiographic features related to secondary stroke prevention

Abstract Introduction Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure has long been a matter of debate concerning the impact of such procedure on preventing ischemic events recurrence. Recent reports support this strategy raising the issue of optimal patient selection based on anatomical high-risk characteristics evaluated by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) that may be associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Purpose Characterize PFO-related echocardiographic findings and clinical features of a cohort of Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) patients (pts). Methods Unicentric, retrospective analysis of pts with ESUS diagnosis who underwent TEE between 1/2014 and 11/2019. Excluded pts aged older than 70 years. Clinical stroke characteristics and echocardiographic PFO features were analysed. Results A total of 124 pts were included in the analysis, presenting a mean age of 50±1.6 [20;68] years and female gender predominance (58.9%). 48.4% of ESUS pts had PFO (53% female). Regarding PFO pts, 38 (62.3%) had significant right-to-left shunt on TEE, which was statistically associated with cortical infarcts (78.9 vs 56.5%,p=0.037). 35pts (58.3%) had shunt occurring at rest and during the Valsalva manoeuvre; when associated to significant shunt there was a correlation with cortical located infarcts (82.1 vs 60.0%, p<0.001). 33 PFOs (54.1%) had tunnel-like morphology. Tunnel-like PFOs were associated with significant right-to-left shunt (78.8 vs 42.9%, p<0.001), atrial septum aneurysm (ASA) presence (68.8 vs 50.0%, p<0.001) and with haemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke (15.2 vs 3.6%, p=0.031). 34 PFO pts (60.7%) had ASA. Mean PFO length was 6.42±5.0mm and mean height was 3.2±2.0mm. Conclusion In this cohort, there was a similar number of pts with and without PFO. Regarding ESUS pts with PFO, the majority had significant right-to-left shunt that occurred at rest and during Valsalva manoeuvre and were associated with cortical located infarcts. Tunnel-like morphology and ASA were also frequent. Tunnel-like morphology were associated with haemorrhagic transformation of ischemic strokes. These findings support the proposal that PFO characterization should have an additional role in stratifying pts with ESUS and selecting them for device closure.

Timing on patent foramen ovale closure: early versus delayed closure

Abstract Introduction Pivotal randomized clinical trials showed benefit in patent foramen ovale closure (PFOC) up to 9 months after a cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) [1-4]. It might be sensible to indicate PFOC also in non-recent cryptogenic strokes, but evidence is lacking. Purpose We aimed to compare the effectiveness of PFOC according to the time elapsed from the patient’s last episode of cryptogenic cerebrovascular event (CVE) or systemic embolism (SE). Methods A retrospective, international, multicentre, cohort study was performed to compare the outcomes of an early closure (EC, <9 months) or delayed closure (DC, ≥9 months) of patent foramen ovale (PFO) as secondary prevention after the index event. The primary end-point was recurrence of CVE or SE after PFOC. Results A total of 325 and 171 patients were classified in the EC and DC groups, with a median time to PFOC of 3.4 (IQR 1.9-5.5) and 17.5 (IQR 12.2-33.4) months, respectively. No significant differences were observed regarding the type of event indicating PFOC (stroke was the most frequent (77.8% in EC group vs 79.0% in DC group), followed by TIA (19.4% vs 18.7%)); neither about neuroanatomic localization of the lesions, nor contrast transcranial Doppler patterns, nor Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score (7 (IQR 5-8) vs 6 (IQR 5-7), p=0.077). Echocardiographic PFO characteristics of both groups were similar, except for a larger defect size (tunnel width) in the DC group (6 (IQR 4-14) vs 12 (IQR 6-16) mm, p=0.005)). PFOC device, procedural success (99.4 in EC vs 98.8% in DC group) and periprocedural complications (2.1 vs 0.8%) were comparable in both groups. Median follow-up was 2.0 (IQR 1.3-3.8) years in the EC group and 2.2 (IQR 1.2-4.9) in the DC group (p=0.721). No significant differences were observed concerning recurrence of stroke, TIA or SE (3.9% vs 2.6%, p=0.443), time from PFOC to recurrence (0.9 (IQR 0-2.1) vs 6.1 (2.5-8.8) years, p=0.090), death (1.4% vs 1.0%, p=0.697), residual shunt 12 months after PFOC, or antithrombotic treatment during follow-up (Figure 1). Moreover, a subanalysis considering those patients with a very delayed PFOC (≥24 months) after the index event also showed no differences in recurrence rate during follow-up compared to the earlier procedures (4.2% in the <24-month group vs 3.4% ≥24-month group, p=0.770). Conclusions No differences were observed regarding recurrences of CVE/SE in patients undergoing PFOC before and after 9 months from the index event. Despite the absence of evidence from randomized trials, this study suggests that the preventive benefit of PFOC after a cryptogenic CVE/SE may be extended beyond 9 months after the last event.Figure 1:Incidence of recurre

Impact of the antiplatelet strategy following patent foramen ovale percutaneous closure

Abstract Background Temporary dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is recommended following patent foramen ovale (PFO) percutaneous closure although its benefit, compared to single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), has not been demonstrated in this setting. Objective We aimed at assessing outcomes following PFO closure according to the antiplatelet strategy at discharge. Methods The ambispective AIR-FORCE cohort included consecutive patients from 7 centers in France and Canada undergoing PFO closure and discharged without anticoagulation. Patients treated in French and Canadian centers were mostly discharged with DAPT and SAPT, respectively. The primary endpoint was the composite of death, stroke, transient ischemic attack, peripheral embolism, myocardial infarction, or BARC type ≥2 bleeding with up to 5 years of follow-up. The impact of the antiplatelet strategy on outcomes was evaluated with a marginal Cox model (cluster analyses per country) with inverse probability weighting according to propensity score. Results A total of 1,532 patients were included from 2001 to 2022, of whom 599 (39.1%) were discharged with SAPT and 933 (60.9%) with DAPT, for ≤3 months in 894/923 (96.9%) cases (Table 1). After a median follow-up of 2.4[1.1-4.4] years, a total of 58 events were observed. In the weighted analysis the rate of the primary endpoint up to 5 years was 7.8% in the SAPT strategy and 7.3% in the DAPT strategy (weighted hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.59-1.83) (Figure 1). Results were consistent in a sensitivity analysis. Conclusion The strategy of antiplatelet strategy following PFO closure did not seem to impact clinical outcomes, thus challenging the current recommendations of temporary DAPT.Table 1.Baseline characteristicsFigure 1.Central illustration

Long term follow-up of patent foramen closure due to embolic infarction in elderly patients

Abstract Background In patients < 60 years (yrs) with crytogenic embolism associated with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) guidelines recommend interventional closure based on several randomized studies. There is no recommendation for elderly patients, although they seem to carry a similar risk for recurrent events. There are only scarce data on early and particularly late outcome. Methods We therefore retrospectively analyzed the up to 10 years outcome (median 4,2 yrs) in 444 consecutive patients (female, male) according to age at PFO closure. Results From 444 patients in our study population, 155 were >60 years of age (mean age 66,7 (IQR 63,1-71,74), 45% females. Older patients had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes (p< 0,01 for all vs. younger patients) while smoking was more prevalent in younger patients (p<0,01). No difference in procedural success and periinterventional complications was observed between the two age groups. During follow up of median 4,2 years (5 patients lost to FU) event rate of recurrent stroke, atrial fibrillation and acute myocardial infarction did not differ between older and younger patients. Conclusions Long term outcome was independent of age despite higher CV risk factors burden and supports PFO closure in elderly patients.

Microtransesophageal echocardiographic guidance of patent foramen ovale percutaneous closure

Abstract Introduction The important growth in the number of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure procedures requires to find alternatives to conventional guidance by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with general anesthesia (GA). The micro-TEE monitoring, with local anesthesia, could allow a reliable guidance with a reduced procedural length, without the need for GA. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PFO closure guided by micro-TEE compared to conventional TEE under GA. Methods This retrospective single-center observational study included all consecutive patients admitted to our hospital, from January 2019 to June 2021 for PFO closure. The type of guidance was based on PFO’s morphological characteristics and patient’s choice. The primary endpoint was the successful implantation of at least one prosthesis without significant residual shunting (≤ grade 1). Key secondary endpoints were the procedure duration and periprocedural complications. Results A total of 237 patients (44% of female, mean age: 50 ± 14 years) were included, with TEE and micro-TEE guidance in 174 (73%) and 63 (27%) cases, respectively. Smaller devices were more frequently implanted among patients with micro-TEE compared to TEE guidance, with 59% vs. 44% respectively (p=0.04), reflecting cases selection on the basis of prior TEE. Overall, there was no case of procedural failure and the primary endpoint was obtained in 158 (91%) and 60 (95%) patients with TEE and micro-TEE guidance, respectively (p=0.27). Procedural duration was shorter with micro-TEE guidance (median time 8 (7-11)min versus 21 (16-27)min, p=0.01). The rate of peri-procedural complications was low (1.3% overall) and limited to periprocedural atrial arrhythmia, without significant differences in both groups (p>0.99). Conclusions Micro-TEE guidance may result in safe and shorter PFO percutaneous closure compared to TEE guidance with GA.These results obtained on selected patients must be confirmed on larger cohorts.

The role of infliximab in treating refractory cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Introduction Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is associated with therapeutic challenges, and a high morbidity and mortality. Tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors like infliximab may be a treatment option for patients with persistent myocardial inflammatory activity despite conventional immunosuppressive treatment with steroids and steroid-sparing agents. Purpose To identify the safety and efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of refractory cardiac sarcoidosis. Methods We conducted a review of refractory CS patients who had been or were actively on treatment with Infliximab at our specialist tertiary care hospital from January 2017 to January 2023. Serial echocardiographic and FDG-PET scan changes as well as long term clinical data on morbidity and mortality was recorded. Results Six CS patients on infliximab were retrospectively identified. The mean age at CS diagnosis was 47.0±5.9 years and mean duration between CS diagnosis and starting infliximab was 21.4±14.2 months (Table 1). Infliximab was commenced due to persistent inflammation on FDG-PET scan and/or CMR despite being on at least two agents (prednisolone and methotrexate ± hydroxychloroquine) in 5 cases and prednisolone alone (intolerance to methotrexate) in one case. At baseline, 3 patients presented with ventricular arrhythmias, 2 with atrioventricular block and 2 with heart failure. After a mean follow up of 21.2±15.5 months of being on infliximab, 5/6 CS patients had decreased myocardial uptake on PET (1 was awaiting a scan) which included complete resolution of FDG-PET signal in one patient (Table 2). A trend in improvement of mean LVEF [52.7±6.6% to 60.2±5.9%, p = 0.10] and reduction of mean prednisolone dose [19.2±6.6mg to 11.3±7.0mg, p = 0.08] was observed during Infliximab treatment. None of the patients had worsening of LVEF or admission with acute heart failure whilst being on infliximab. A total of 4/6 patients had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator device in situ at the time of Infliximab initiation. No major arrhythmias were observed during follow up. One patient died following complications of patent foramen ovale repair. There were three new cases of infection (1 pneumonia and 2 COVID-19 pneumonitis) and one case of renal cell carcinoma diagnosis three years after Infliximab treatment initiation. The drug safety was overall satisfactory since none of the patients required hospitalisation (Table 2). Case 2 patient stopped infliximab after 13 months of treatment and was found to have disease relapse seven months later. During a 20 month follow up of being on infliximab again, he demonstrated complete resolution of FDG uptake on subsequent FDG-PET scan. Conclusion This study supports the use of infliximab in refractory CS by demonstrating improvement in clinical, functional and tissue characterization parameters. However, infliximab is associated with an increased risk of infections.

Abstract 17264: PFO Cover Index by 3D-TEE Predicts Residual Shunting After Transcatheter Closure

Introduction: Proper defect sizing and device size selection are imperative for ensuring successful clinical outcomes after transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. However, with current sizing techniques, residual shunting remains as high as 25% and is associated with an increased risk of recurrent neurologic events. Since 2017, we adopted a PFO sizing strategy based on right atrial (RA) tunnel “width” oversizing utilizing three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the PFO tunnel width at the RA opening and a cover index based on this dimension would predict residual shunting at long term follow-up. Methods: Sixty-four patients underwent transcatheter PFO closure (60 patients utilizing a 3D-TEE based oversizing strategy) at our institution between 2015 and 2022. PFO tunnel length, tunnel width at RA opening, and tunnel width at left atrial opening were determined by 3D-TEE either before or at the time of closure. We determined an absolute PFO “cover index” for each patient as follows: RA disc diameter - RA tunnel width. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the predictive ability of 3D-TEE derived PFO dimensions and the PFO cover index to predict residual shunting at follow-up. Results: Fifty-one of sixty-four patients had a long-term follow-up bubble study (mean follow-up time 8.0±3.7 months). Of the 47 patients closed utilizing a 3D-TEE based sizing strategy and with a follow-up bubble study, only 5 patients (10.6%) had residual shunting at follow-up. Of the three 3D-TEE based PFO dimensions, only the RA tunnel width was predictive of residual shunting at follow-up (AUC 0.84, p=0.004). A cutoff of 15.5 mm or greater for RA tunnel width had the best combination of sensitivity (86%) and specificity (73%). The PFO cover index was also strongly predictive of residual shunting at follow-up (AUC 0.87, p=0.002). A cutoff of 9.5 mm or less had the best combination of sensitivity (86%) and specificity (82%). Conclusions: A larger PFO tunnel width at the right atrial opening and a lower cover index based on this dimension predict residual shunting at follow-up. Our findings have important implications for improving sizing strategies for transcatheter PFO closure.

Abstract 16411: Patent Foramen Ovale Combined With Solitary Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation

Introduction: A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) with bubble study is standard during evaluation of patients presenting with cryptogenic stroke to evaluate for the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). However, other uncommon conditions, such as solitary pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (sPAVM), can also present with stroke and abnormal bubble study. We examine a case of a woman who presented with an acute ischemic stroke and was found to have both a PFO and sPAVM. Case: A 64-year-old woman with hypertension presented with acute onset facial droop, left arm paresis, and aphasia. A computed tomography (CT) scan of her head did not show an intracerebral hemorrhage or large vessel occlusion. However, magnetic resonance imaging showed acute infarction of the right thalamus. During initial work up, a chest x-ray was also obtained and there was concern for possible pulmonary malignancy. A subsequent contrast-enhanced CT of her chest revealed a right lower lobe PAVM. A TTE with bubble study showed bubbles in the left atrium, which was attributed to PAVM. Interventional radiology was consulted, and the patient underwent PAVM embolization. TTE was repeated and continued to show bubbles in the left atrium. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed an atrial septal aneurysm with PFO. After interdisciplinary discussion and shared decision making, she eventually underwent successful transcatheter PFO closure with an Amplatzer PFO occluder. Genetic testing for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia was negative. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of evaluating for less common causes of stroke such as sPAVMs and multidisciplinary approach to complex cases. The American Heart/Stroke Associations recommend PFO closure for patients presenting with ischemic stroke and no other identifiable cause. However, there is not clear guidance on the management of patients who present with stroke and have both PFO and PAVMs. Although PFOs are commonly ruled out with TTE/TEE and bubble study, there may be utility in also ruling out PAVMs as they are an important and reversible cause of paradoxical emboli. Further studies should the evaluate the management of patients with both PAVM and PFO with a focus on the optimal strategy for sequence of closure.

Abstract 13710: Cardiac Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome: How the Stars Aligned

Case description: A 79-year-old man with recurrent falls, dyslipidemia and recent exercise intolerance presented after a fall. He was putting on shoes, lost his balance and fell. There was no pre-syncope, syncope, dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations or dizziness. On admission, vital signs were normal except oxygen saturation (O2 sat) 79% on room air (and no improvement with supplemental O2). An arterial blood gas (ABG) revealed partial pressure of oxygen 42 mmHg with oxygen saturation 80%. He had lower thoracic spine tenderness, normal respiratory and cardiac exam. CT head showed no acute intracranial abnormalities. CTA chest had no pulmonary embolism, arterio-venous malformations or parenchymal lung disease. There was a thoracic aorta aneurysm (4.5cm at aortic root and 5.1cm at posterior arch). Subsequently, O2 sat was 92% supine and 79% standing. He also had a compression fracture of T12 and spinal asymmetry. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed an aneurysmal, hypermobile interatrial septum with early right to left shunt with agitated saline due to a large patent foramen ovale (PFO). Right heart catheterization revealed no pulmonary hypertension and confirmed a step down from the pulmonary vein to left atrium (delta O2 sat 6%). A 30mm Gore Cardioform occluder was used to close the defect and immediately supplemental oxygen was removed, and O2 sat on room air was 95%. Follow up echocardiogram showed no residual shunt and exercise intolerance resolved. Discussion: Unexplained positional hypoxemia raised our suspicion for cardiac POS. Hypoxemia is caused by right to left shunting via the PFO, exacerbated by the thoracic aortic aneurysm and spinal changes such as the T12 fracture and spinal asymmetry. Going from being recumbent to erect there is stretching of the atria causing his PFO to enlarge, increasing the shunt. Additionally, the dilated thoracic aorta exerts mechanical pressure on the right atrium (RA) and interatrial septum, increasing PFO patency and augmenting flow from the inferior vena cava through the PFO. The spinal abnormality may cause more aortic distortion and exert forces on the RA, exacerbating shunting. Percutaneous PFO closure is the treatment of choice with closure immediately leading to significant improvement of hypoxemia.

Abstract 17959: Cardiovascular Outcomes and Readmissions of Atrial Fibrillation Among Patent Foramen Ovale Occluder Device Recipients : A Propensity Matched National Readmission Study

Introduction: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder devices are increasingly utilized minimally invasive procedures used to treat cryptogenic stroke. Data on the impact of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) among PFO occluder device recipients are limited. Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried between 2016 to 2019 to identify PFO patients with and without AF. The two groups were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate regression models. The outcomes included in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), Mechanical circulatory support use (MCS), Cardiogenic shock (CS) acute ischemic stroke, bleeding and other cardiovascular outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA v. 17. Results: Out of 6,508 Weighted hospitalizations for PFO occluder device procedure over the study period, 877 (13.4%) had AF compared to 5,631 (86.6%) who did not. On adjusted analysis, PFO with AF group had higher rates of MCS (PSM, 4.5% vs. 2.2 %, p value=0.011) and SCA (PSM, 7.6% vs. 4.6 %, p value=0.015) compared to PFO with no AF. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of in hospital mortality (PSM, 5.4% vs. 6.4 %, p value=0.39), CS (PSM, 8.3% vs. 5.9 %, p value=0.075), AKI (PSM, 32.4% vs. 32.3 %, p value=0.96), bleeding (PSM, 2.08% vs. 1.3 %, p value=0.235) or the readmission rates among both cohorts. Additionally, AF was associated with higher hospital length of stay (9.5 +/-13.2 vs. 8.2 +/-24.3 days, p value =0.012 ) and total cost ($66,513+/-$80,922 vs. $52,013+/-$125,136, 0.025, p value = 0.025) compared to PFO without AF. Conclusions: The presence of AF among PFO occluder device recipients is associated with increased adverse outcomes including MCS use and SCA with no difference in mortality and the readmission rates among both cohorts. Long term follow up needs further studies.

Abstract 17951: Infective Endocarditis of an Amplatzer PFO Occluder: A Rare and Devastating Complication

Introduction: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is indicated for secondary prevention of ischemic strokes in select patients. PFO closure devices are rarely complicated by infective endocarditis (IE). We present the case of a patient with a closure device infected by Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA). Case: A 60-year-old woman with a history of ischemic stroke status post transcatheter PFO closure with a 25 mm Amplatzer occluder eight months prior to presentation was admitted for a two week history of lower back pain, bilateral lower extremity weakness, and urinary incontinence. She denied dental procedures following device implantation. MRI of the spine revealed L3-L4 osteomyelitis with an adjacent epidural abscess which was immediately drained. Blood and intra-operative cultures revealed MSSA. There was no evidence of endocarditis on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Given persistent bacteremia, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed, revealing large, highly mobile vegetations measuring up to 3 cm in length, attached to both the left and right atrial surfaces of the Amplatzer occluder. Urgent surgical removal of the Amplatzer occluder and PFO closure was performed. She received a 4-week course of Cefazolin. Discussion: Despite periprocedural antibiotics and prophylaxis for dental procedures for six months after implantation, IE of PFO occluders can rarely occur days to years after implantation. In patients with PFO occluders and persistent bacteremia or fevers, TEE is the diagnostic modality of choice as TTE are often negative. Management consists of urgent surgical excision and long-term antibiotics.

Abstract 17584: Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis: A Catastrophic Complication of Preterm Rupture of Membranes

Background: Few cases of post-partum complication of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) tricuspid valve (TV) infective endocarditis (IE) after live vaginal birth have been reported. We present the same, further complicated by septic emboli tospleen through patent foramen ovale (PFO). Case: 33-year-old 4 weeks post-partum female (G7P6) in septic shock was diagnosed with GBS TV IE with 41mm X 21mm vegetation(F1) with septic emboli to lungs and spleen. Echocardiogram showed PFO with right to left shunt. Ceftriaxone and Gentamycin were started. Her pregnancy was complicated with preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM); she had received no antenatal care. Vegetation was debulked with AngioVac procedure (AVP) while PFO was occluded with trans-septal compliant balloon(F2). After recovery from acute illness TV was replaced with bioprosthetic valve. Decision-Making: IE was most likely a post-partum complication in absence of IV drug use, intravascular device, right sided cardiac anomaly. Large size of vegetation with embolization warranted use of AVP to debulk the vegetation as a bridge to valve surgery. PFO occlusion with balloon during AVP prevented potential catastrophic embolization to the brain. Conclusion: Mothers colonized with GBS routinely get antibiotics to prevent transmission to the newborn; this case highlights the need for GBS screening and treatment to reduce maternal morbidity as well. Minimally invasive AVP can debulk vegetations thus decreasing infectious burden and risk of septic embolization before surgery.

Abstract 11716: Patent Foramen Ovale Closure vs Medical Therapy in Patients ≥ 60 Years of Age With Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The benefit of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in patients aged ≥60 years with ischemic stroke is uncertain. Purpose: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the outcomes of PFO closure vs medical therapy in this population. Methods: Using the TriNetX research database we identified patients ≥ 60 years with PFO who had an ischemic stroke from 2016 to 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: those undergoing PFO closure within 3 months of the stroke and those who received medical therapy only. Subgroup analyses was performed by age group (60 to 70 and ≥71). Propensity score matching was used to control for age, sex, hypertensive diseases, CKD, diabetes, dyslipidemias, ischemic heart disease, tobacco use, and neoplasms. Outcomes were measured from 1 month to 3 years after the index event and included all-cause mortality, new onset AF/flutter, arterial embolism, and services associated with stroke/embolism (thrombolysis, thrombectomy, administration of thrombolytics, and imaging of head and neck). Results: PFO closure was associated with lower number of services used in stroke/embolism (HR 0.57, 95%CI 0.42-0.78), a similar association was seen in those in the 60-70 age group (HR 0.539, 95%CI 0.373,0.78) but not in those ≥71 years. Arterial embolism was seen in 3.14% of the patients who received antiplatelets or anticoagulants only, but none of the patients who underwent PFO (Table 1) . Conclusions: PFO closure was associated with lower number of services used in stroke/embolism in patients aged ≥60 years with ischemic stroke. Our study could have been underpowered to find differences amongst those ≥71 years old. None of the patients who underwent PFO closure developed arterial embolism. PFO closure may be beneficial for older patients with ischemic stroke and warrant further investigation

Abstract 14878: Be Aware of False Negative Bubble Study in Diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale!

Introduction: Echocardiography plays an important role in diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). However, there are some anatomic variations which may result in a false negative study. Case presentation: A 55-year-old male was hospitalized for acute right-hemiplegia. The EKG revealed normal sinus rhythm. Brain imaging revealed acute bilateral infarcts. The transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed a normal ejection fraction without significant valve disease and a negative agitated saline Bubble study. A Trans-esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed a negative Bubble study using intravenous access via the left arm. The TEE also revealed an atrial septal aneurysm and large eustachian valve (EV). The Bubble study was then repeated with agitated saline injected from lower extremity. This demonstrated a significant right to left shunt through a PFO. Discussion: EV is a remnant of the valve of the inferior vena cava that directs blood flow through the fossa ovalis during embryonic life. A large or prominent EV may be a risk factor for paradoxical embolism by preventing spontaneous foramen closure. Agitated saline originating from the superior vena cava (SVC) may result in a false-negative study due to the prominent EV preventing microbubbles from the SVC from crossing the interatrial septum. In this case, the patient’s age, clinical presentation and the finding of EV and atrial septal aneurysm raised the suspicion of PFO. Repeating the bubble study using a lower extremity peripheral access was positive. This step played a crucial role in the diagnosis of PFO in this patient and his subsequent management. Conclusion: Cardiologists should be aware that the presence of a prominent EV may result in a false negative bubble study result when the injection is performed via upper limb intravenous access.