The relationship between atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke: What is the evidence?
Loading...
Files
Authors
Lange, Rebecca Marie
Issue Date
Type
Language
eng
Keywords
Cryotogenic stroke, Atrial septal defect, Patent foramen ovale
Alternative Title
Abstract
The etiology of cryptogenic stroke (CS) remains elusive, yet accounts for 30-40% of all strokes. Possible causes include patent foramen ovale (PFO), or a defect where the foramen ovale opening in the fetal atrial septum which allows blood flow between the atria does not appropriately close after birth. Similarly, another congenital defect called an atrial septal defect (ASD) manifests itself as a hole anywhere along the wall of the right and left atria of the heart, although it is frequently found at the site of the PFO. Many studies have shown a strong occurrence of both ASDs and PFOs in cryptogenic stroke cases. Within this presentation, the factors of ASD and PFO resulting in cryptogenic stroke are assessed along with the affected population and treatment options. The possible biomarkers of stroke, effective diagnostic evaluation methods, and treatment options post-stroke are also discussed. We also determine the efficacy of surgical closure of a PFO based upon scientific results from prior studies.
Description
DISCUSSION § 40% of total studies reveal that there is a frequent incidence between patients who experienced a cryptogenic stroke also have an ASD or PFO. However, the methods used and limitations within some of the studies cause us to question their accuracy. Such factors include: § Lack of scientific method § Data unadjusted for age and comorbitity § Poor selection of controls § Small sample base § Retrospective and circumstantial nature of analyses5 § It is evident that of the 40% of studies revealing an incidence between the presence of an ASD or PFO in the occurrence of a cryptogenic stroke, only 30% found the occurrence to be significant which suggests that the occurrence of the two are likely coincidental. As a result, more thorough studies with a much wider sample base should be carried out before a more confident conclusion can be made regarding their association. Therefore, due to the evidence we are unable to conclude that having an ASD or PFO does indeed show clinical relevance in the association with cryptogenic stroke. § Surgical closure of a PFO may decrease recurrence of cryptogenic stroke in some cases, however these statistics are often from observational studies rather than randomized, controlled trials supporting the efficacy. § We are unable to pin the congenital malformations ASD and PFO as being considered biomarkers of strokes because of the lack of efficacious scientific studies to prove this theory. However, it is too early to completely rule this out because a widely sampled, randomized and controlled study has not yet been executed. REFERENCES 1. American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Stroke Association. http:// www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/. 2. Prabhakaran, S. et al. (n.d.). Cryptogenic stroke. UpToDate Inc.. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/cryptogenic-stroke. 3. Boyd, LA and Quaney et al. Aerobic Exercise Training in Chronic Stroke Patients Facilitates Implicit Motor Sequence Learning. (2009). 4. American Journal of Cardiology. Morphology of the Patent Foramen Ovale in Asymptomatic Versus Symptomatic (Stroke of Transient Ischemic Attack) Patients. American Journal of Cardiology 103, 124-129 (2009). 5. Meissner, I. et al. Patent Foramen Ovale: Innocent or Guilty? Evidence From a Prospctive Population-Based Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 47, 440-445 (2006). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Funding for this project was generously provided by the Washburn Transformational Experience Grant Committee. The Relationship between Atrial Septal Defect, Patent Foramen Ovale and Cryptogenic Stroke: What is the Evidence? Rebecca Lange, RT (R), Pat Munzer, DHSc, RRT, Keith Farwell, MHSc, RDCS Barb Quaney, PhD, PT School of Allied Health Bachelor of Health Science Washburn University INTRODUCTION § A stroke occurs on average of about every 40 seconds in our society1. § According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), 795,000 Americans suffer stroke each year1. § Strokes are the fourth highest cause of death within the United States1. § An estimated $73.7 billion was spent by Americans in 2010 for medical costs and disability related to stroke1. 50-75% of all stroke survivors have residual cognitive and/or motor disabilities which prevent them from living independently at home3. § Strokes can affect any portion of the brain and result in a number of different impairments and disabilities; some of which may never be completely recovered1. • Paralysis or hemiparesis • Vision disability • Memory loss • Impulsiveness • Clumsiness • Speech problems § Cryptogenic strokes are strokes which can not be attributed to any specific cause, yet by some estimates, account for approximately 30-40% of all ischemic strokes2. § Two congenital defects in the atrial septum form a irregular communication between the right and left atria of the heart. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a defect where the natural foramen ovale opening in the fetal atrial septum allowing blood flow between the atria does not appropriately close after birth. Similarly, an atrial septal defect (ASD) manifests itself as a hole anywhere along the wall of the right and left atria of the heart, yet is frequently found at the site of the PFO. Some literature suggests that in adults, cryptogenic stroke is related to congenital heart defects such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Following the onset of adult cryptogenic stroke, surgical interventions routinely occur to repair these congenital structural cardiac defects stroke. However, controversy exists as to whether this aggressive surgical repair mitigates the risk of a second stroke or improves stroke-related disability. Because of the medical risks associated with surgical intervention after stroke and the economic impact of potentially unnecessary intervention, it is important to investigate the scientific research behind this practice. Apriori, I reasoned that ASD and PFO in adults may be positively correlated with cryptogenic stroke. Purpose: 1) To assess the evidence within the medical literature of the relationship between cryptogenic stroke, ASD and PFO. 2) Determine the frequency of an ASD or PFO in the adult population aged 40-80 years old who have not experienced stroke. 3) Determine how ASD and PFO are diagnosed. § Does the evidence support a decrease in the overall long-term health of patients with ASD or PFO and their risk of having a stroke? § What is the functional outcome associated with cardiac repair following cryptogenic stroke? § Do these repairs alter the patient’s overall longevity and functional capabilities when compared to strokes of other etiologies? § Is it viable to determine the efficacy of devoting research dollars to studying the relationship between ASD, PFO and cryptogenic stroke? METHODS We performed a comprehensive database search for medical articles and journals describing studies which have been carried out evaluating the relationship between ASD, PFO and cryptogenic stroke. We were also interested in fully describing diagnosis of ASD and PFO after cryptogenic stroke. § Research data will be pulled from all medical databases via Washburn University’s Mabee Library to include: § Scientific studies § Clinical reviews The studies include stroke patients of all ages, however most focus has been put on patients less than 55 years of age. This is partially due to the common presence of a PFO found in that particular age group as opposed to those 55 years and older4. After the age of 55, a person’s risk of having a stroke doubles each year as a result of additional pathologies and biomarkers1. Two diagnostic procedures common in a typical protocol for diagnosing stokes include transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or Echo and a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Both exams look at the structure and function of the heart and are read by cardiologists. Criteria § Studies focusing on ASD and/or PFO and their relationship with patients who had experienced a stroke with no other observed etiology. § Articles reviewing multiple studies on the relationship between the two malformations. § Exclusions included those pieces of literature that were purely informational rather than scientific studies. RESULTS § 55 studies were examined. Of these, 25 (45%) met the criteria for inclusion. § 11 (44%) of the eligible pieces of literature reviewed revealed that cryptogenic strokes often have a coinciding ASD or PFO, particularly in patients under the age of 55; However of those, only 8 (32%) studies were deemed valid for the inclusion of the results. Five of those (62%) concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the affirmation of a correlation. § It has been noted in 52% of the studies that surgical fixation of the ASD or PFO may decrease the likelihood of a recurrent stroke, but more evidence is needed to prove it’s certain effectiveness. http://brodiashton.blogspot.com http://www.sciencephoto.com http://www.cae.com http://www.cvsales.com cxvascular.com