Atrial fibrillation after percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure

We read with interest the recent article by Smer et  al (1). In a meta-analysis of randomized trials, the authors reported the efficacy and safety of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for prevention of recurrent stroke, in patients with an index cryptogenic stroke. Among 3440 patients included (five trials), the authors found that PFO closure decreases the risk of stroke compared with medical therapy (2.8% vs 5.8%; RR 0.48, CI 0.27-0.87, p=0.01) but increases risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) (4.2% vs 0.7%; RR 4.55, CI 2.16-9.6, p=0.0001).
Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research