Migraine, stroke and patent foramen ovale: a dangerous trio?
The relationship between migraine, stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been the subject of considerable research efforts. Indeed, a lot of interest has focused on the potential benefits of percutaneous PFO closure. The aim of this article is to review data from the currently available literature. A total of 10 relevant studies were found in the literature, for a total of 1038 patients undergoing percutaneous PFO closure after events of cryptogenic stroke. Thirty-eight percent of these patients suffered from migraine. Combining the results of the available studies, 72% of patients were cured or improved significantly. Analysing the results according to migraine type, 81% of patients with migraine with aura had complete resolution or significantly improved as compared to 72% of patients with migraine without aura. Several limitations and drawbacks exist, however, and they are extensively discussed in this paper.
Butera
Gianfranco
G
Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, San Donato Milanese (MI), Italy. gianfrancobutera@libero.it
Agostoni
Elio
E
Biondi-Zoccai
Giuseppe
G
Bresolin
Nereo
N
Fumagalli
Lorenzo
L
Chessa
Massimo
M
Gallanti
Andrea
A
Scacciatela
Paolo
P
Carminati
Mario
M
D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control