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Lower patent foramen ovale detection with transthoracic echocardiography in atrial fibrillation

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Abstract

Background Patent foramina ovale (PFO) are small defects within the atrial septum that may play a role in paradoxical embolism, stroke and migraines. The relationship between PFO and atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been formally studied. We prospectively studied patients with a history of AF, versus those without (controls), in order to compare PFO prevalence among them. Methods Sixty-one patients with AF and forty-one controls completed the study, all undergoing transthoracic echocardiography using agitated saline microbubbles and a Valsalva maneuver. Results In the control group, 12/41 participants (29.2%) had PFOs compared to 5/61 (8.2%) in the AF group (P < 0.01). PFO positive patients within the entire study population demonstrated greater leftward inter-atrial septal shifting (82% vs 49%, P < 0.05). There was also reduced leftward inter-atrial septal shift observed within the AF group compared to controls (32/61 (52%) vs 31/41 (76%), P < 0.05). Conclusion This study is the first to demonstrate an apparent lower rate of PFO in patients with AF, using bubble contrast echocardiography.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Robert R. Attaran, Gary Baweja, Laura Foster & Vincent L. Sorrell

  2. Verde Valley Heart Centre, Cottonwood, AZ, USA

    Sam Butman

Authors
  1. Robert R. Attaran
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  2. Gary Baweja
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  3. Laura Foster
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  4. Sam Butman
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  5. Vincent L. Sorrell
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Correspondence to Vincent L. Sorrell.

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Attaran, R.R., Baweja, G., Foster, L. et al. Lower patent foramen ovale detection with transthoracic echocardiography in atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 24, 819–824 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-008-9334-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-008-9334-0

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