The Anatomical Significance of the Patent Foramen Ovale by Real-time 3D
TEE in Cryptogenic Stroke and Migraine
Abstract
Abstract: Background: The transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is the
standard imaging modality for confirming the presence or absence of
patent foramen ovale. There is a causal association between PFO and
unexplained stroke. It seems that 3D-TEE can present a high-risk PFO
morphological feature, which seems to show more than just being easier
to open. Methods: In total 134 consecutive patients with cryptogenic
stroke or migraine who had suspected PFO and underwent c-TCD, TTE, and
c-TEE were included in this study. TEE confirmed the PFO. The
right-to-left shunt (RLS) grade of PFO at rest and abdominal compression
Valsalva maneuver was detected by c-TEE. Results: The long diameter of
FO (1.74±0.3 vs. 1.60±0.4, P=0.039), the short diameter of FO (1.12±0.3
vs. 1.00±0.3, P=0.036), perimeter of FO (4.62±0.7 vs. 4.22±1.0, P=0.026)
and area (1.80±0.8 vs. 1.35±0.8, P=0.05) of the FO were significantly
larger in the larger RLS group. The cut-off value calculated by ROC for
the diagnosis of high-risk PFO was that the length of the PFO tunnel was
12 mm and Left funnelform combined with multiple exits of left atrial
(sensitivity was 92%, specificity was 90%). Conclusions: A larger oval
fossa can be more easily activated and cause a large right-to-left
shunt. The left funnelform, a longer length of the PFO tunnel, and
multiple exits of the tunnel of LA increase the risk of CS in anatomical
of PFO respect. TEE can precisely visualize the specific morphological
characteristics of PFO. These features on TEE have a strong correlation
with CS.