Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a common congenital heart defect. Recent studies have suggested a potential association between PFO and migraines, particularly migraine with aura. It is hypothesized that PFO may allow microemboli or vasoactive substances from venous blood to bypass pulmonary metabolism and enter the arterial system directly, potentially triggering migraines. Although PFO closure has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, its long-term efficacy and underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
This study aims to explore the characteristics of glymphatic system function in PFO patients and its relationship with migraine symptoms, as well as the impact of PFO closure on glymphatic function and its role in alleviating migraine symptoms. A case-control and self-controlled before-after study design is adopted. Two groups of participants are enrolled: a case group consisting of PFO patients with significant right-to-left shunt and migraine, and a control group comprising PFO patients with significant shunt but without migraine. According to clinical guidelines and after obtaining informed consent, eligible patients in the case group undergo percutaneous PFO closure.
By comparing migraine symptoms and glymphatic function indicators both before and after the procedure between the two groups, the interventional effect of PFO closure and its potential mechanism will be investigated. The primary endpoint is the improvement in migraine symptoms, while the secondary endpoints include glymphatic function metrics. The findings of this study will provide new theoretical insights and clinical guidance for the management of PFO-related migraines.
Adults aged 18 to 60 years.
Diagnosed with patent foramen ovale (PFO) with significant right-to-left shunt.
For the case group: Diagnosis of migraine (with or without aura) according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3).
For the control group: No history of migraine.
Patients with a history of PFO closure or other migraine-related surgical treatments;
Patients with other severe cardiac or neurological diseases, mental disorders, or psychological conditions;
Patients with contraindications to closure surgery or MRI scans (e.g., severe infection, coagulation dysfunction, cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, metallic foreign bodies in the eye, non-removable metal dentures, etc.);
Patients unable to complete migraine symptom assessments or imaging examinations due to other reasons.
Parallel
Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale Closure
DevicePercutaneous transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a minimally invasive procedure. Under local anesthesia, a closure device is delivered via a catheter through the femoral vein to the heart to seal the PFO tunnel. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance. This intervention aims to eliminate right-to-left shunt, which is hypothesized to improve migraine symptoms and glymphatic function.
No Intervention
Other interventionThis arm does not receive the PFO closure procedure. Patients in this control group are observed under their standard care regimen without any study-specific intervention.
Monthly Migraine Days (MMD)
The number of days with migraine headache per month, as recorded by participants in a daily headache diary. The change in MMD from baseline to 6-month follow-up will be calculated. A decrease in MMD indicates improvement.
Migraine Pain Intensity (VAS Score)
The change in pain intensity of migraine attacks as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). A negative change indicates improvement.
DTI-ALPS Index
The Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Alignment along the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) index is a non-invasive MRI biomarker used to assess glymphatic system function. It is calculated by obtaining diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequences on a 3.0T MRI scanner and measuring the diffusion coefficients along the x, y, and z axes in specific regions of interest (ROIs) near the lateral ventricles. The change in the DTI-ALPS index from baseline to the 6-month timepoint will be calculated. A positive change suggests improved glymphatic activity.
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