Long-term efficacy of transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure on migraine headache with aura and recurrent stroke.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term results of transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure on migraine headache with aura (MHA) and on the risk of recurrent stroke.

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter PFO closure is associated with an early improvement of MHA, and a reduction or the risk of recurrent cerebral ischemia, but the long-term outcome after the procedure is unknown.

METHODS

We analyzed follow-up data of 38 consecutive patients who had undergone transcatheter PFO closure at our institution because of cryptogenic stroke and had been followed-up for at least 3 years after the procedure. Mean age at closure was 43 +/- 13 years. Thirteen patients (34%) had a diagnosis of MHA made by the primary care physician or the referring neurologist. Migraine disability assessment questionnaire (MIDAS) was used to assess MHA incidence and severity.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 4.8 +/- 1.4 years, two patients had a recurrent stroke (13 and 15 months after the procedure, respectively). Recurrence rate 5 years after the procedure was 5.3%. After 4.9 +/- 1.4 years from the intervention, 12/13 patients (92%, 95% CI 65-99%) had complete resolution in their MHA. Overall, MIDAS score decreased significantly (38.6 +/- 26.3 vs. 4.4 +/- 5.1, P < 0.0001) after the procedure. One patient did not report any improvement of MHA after transcatheter PFO closure, whereas one patient reported a severe relapse of MHA about 1 year after PFO closure. Freedom from recurrent MHA 5 years after the procedure was 85% (95% CI 57-97%).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of recurrent cerebral ischemia and recurrent MHA seems to be low at long-term follow-up after transcatheter PFO closure. Recurrent cerebral ischemia and relapse of MHA seem to be confined to the first 15 months after the procedure.