High Prevalence of Patent Foramen Ovale in Children Who Have Migraine with Aura

Patent foramen ovale was found in 50% of such children.

Adults with migraine have a high prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO). To determine the prevalence of PFO in children with migraine, investigators performed transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) scans in 109 children (age range, 6–18 years) in whom migraine with aura was diagnosed at a large referral center; 38 children (35%) had aura, and 71 (65%) did not.

Detection of PFO was nearly identical with contrast TTE and with TCD. The overall prevalence of PFO was 35% and similar to the prevalence in the general population (25%). The prevalence of PFO in children who had migraine with aura (50%) was significantly higher than that in the general population and than the prevalence in children who had migraine witho…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)