Patent Foramen Ovale-associated Stroke and COVID-19 Vaccination

• DOI: 10.15420/icr.2022.27
• Publication Date: 2023-04-05T11:43:39Z
• Authors: Maja Rojko; Natasa Cernic Sul...; Metka Zorc; Marko Noc
• Keywords: Stroke; Paresis

Background: COVID-19 infection has been associated with paradoxical thromboembolism through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and ischaemic stroke. Such events have not reported after vaccination. The aim of the present study was to investigate PFO-associated stroke during mass vaccination in Slovenia. Methods: This prospective study, conducted between 26 December 2020 31 March 2022, enrolled consecutive patients (≥18 years) referred for percutaneous closure single interventional facility Results: A total 953,546 people aged 18 70 years received at least one dose vaccine approved by European Medicines Agency. Of 28 presenting stroke, 12 (42.9%) were vaccinated prior event, whom nine women three men, 21 years. Stroke occurred within 35 days six (50%). Clinical presentation included motor dysphasia, paresis, vertigo, ataxia, paraesthesia, headache, diplopia hemianopia. At hospital discharge, 11 (91.6%) had residual lesion. Conclusion: temporal coincidence described. potential cause–effect relationship may only be hypothesised.