AI Article Synopsis

  • The study aimed to explore outcomes of transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in patients over 60 years old, particularly looking at recurrent cerebrovascular events (CVE) and atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • Involving 689 patients, the procedural success rate was high at 99.4%, but there were notable risks: 9.6% of patients died during follow-up, and diabetes and atrial septal aneurysm were linked to increased CVE events.
  • The findings suggest that while most older patients experience low rates of CVE and AF post-procedure, factors like diabetes, atrial septal aneurysms, and increasing age are important in guiding clinical decisions regarding PFO closure.

Article Abstract

Background: Limited data are available on transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure outcomes in the elderly.

Aims: Through this study, we aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of adverse events (recurrent cerebrovascular events [CVE] and atrial fibrillation [AF]) post-PFO closure in older patients with cryptogenic events.

Methods: This multicentre international study included patients over 60 years undergoing PFO closure for cryptogenic thromboembolic events. A dedicated database compiled baseline, procedural, and follow-up data. Competing risk and adjusted outcome predictor analyses were conducted.

Results: A total of 689 patients were included (median age 65 years, 41.2% female, mean Risk of Paradoxical Embolism [RoPE] score 4.5). The procedural success rate was 99.4%. After a median follow-up of 2 (interquartile range 1-5) years, 66 patients (9.6%) had died. CVE and stroke rates were 1.21 and 0.55 per 100 patient-years, respectively. Diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 3.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-9.07; p=0.002) and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA; HR 5.25, 95% CI: 1.56-17.62; p=0.007) increased the CVE risk. New-onset AF occurred at a rate of 3.30 per 100 patient-years, with 51.3% within one month post-procedure. Older age (HR 1.05 per year, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09; p=0.023) and the absence of hypertension (HR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.19-3.57; p=0.010) were associated with an increased risk of AF.

Conclusions: Older patients undergoing PFO closure had a relatively low rate of CVE and new-onset AF after a median follow-up of 2 years. The presence of diabetes, ASA, and a more advanced age determined an increased risk of adverse clinical events. These factors may be considered in the clinical decision-making process regarding PFO closure in this challenging population.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11317834PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.4244/EIJ-D-24-00156DOI Listing

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