Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) in Patients of Cryptogenic Stroke AND Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A Real World Experience

Abstract

Background: Stroke, a leading cause of brain tissue damage, presents a significant health concern globally. Cryptogenic stroke (CS), with an unclear origin, poses diagnostic challenges, with the patent foramen ovale (PFO) implicated in some cases. This study aims to investigate PFO prevalence in North India among patients with cryptogenic stroke, addressing current research gaps. Objective: To assess PFO occurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) using Echocardiography. Methods & Results: This preliminary study analyzed PFO prevalence in patients with CS and TIA from February 2020 to November 2021, involving 25 participants. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were employed. Key findings include a mean age of 44.80±9.13 years, 64% men, and 36% women. Ischemic stroke accounted for 72% of cases, while TIA represented 28%. PFO prevalence was 44%, with no significant gender-PFO association. No correlations were found between stroke type and PFO presence, nor were comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes observed. Conclusion: The study highlights a clinically significant distribution of PFO presence but no notable association between stroke type and PFO presence. These findings contribute to understanding PFO's role in cryptogenic stroke and have implications for clinical practice.