Kadhiya Al Azri, Ismail Al Abri, Maryam Al Shehhi, Maria Al Hinai, Tahlil Al Amri, Narjis Al Sheala, Ammar Al Shabibi
{"title":"Demographics, Clinical Features and Genetics of Common Inherited Arrhythmias in Oman.","authors":"Kadhiya Al Azri, Ismail Al Abri, Maryam Al Shehhi, Maria Al Hinai, Tahlil Al Amri, Narjis Al Sheala, Ammar Al Shabibi","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1441","DOIUrl":"10.37616/2212-5043.1441","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Inherited arrhythmia syndromes (IAS) are a group of rare disorders that result from genetic mutations in several genes including congenital long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome (BrS), short QT syndrome, and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT). Affected individuals may have various symptoms including sudden cardiac death (SCD). Few reports have highlighted long QT syndrome from the Arbian Gulf region. The current study aims to describe demographics of children and adults with inherited arrhythmia syndromes; report the presenting clinical features, genetic mutations and management strategies.</p><p><strong>Material and method: </strong>This is a descriptive retrospective study that included Omani children and adults with inherited arrhythmia syndromes who were diagnosed and treated at the National Heart Centre (NHC) of the Royal Hospital, between 2006 and 2022. Data collected include patient demographics, geographical distribution, clinical features, genetic reports and management strategies.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>A total of one hundred and six Omani patients were included. Sixty-six (62.3 %) were males, and 71 (67 %) were adults at diagnosis and 35 (33 %) were children. Three inherited arrhythmia syndromes were found including Long QT, Brugada and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and these accounted for 58 (54.7 %), 39 (36.8 %) and 9 (8.5 %), respectively. Seventy-six (71.7 %) of the patients were from consanguineous families. The clinical features varied based on the type of arrhythmia. The treatment modalities constituted of beta blockers and antiarrhythmics, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), pacemakers, and left sympathetic ganglionectomy (LSGs). Seventy-one individuals (66.9 %) underwent genetic testing. It is important to highlight that 36 (50.7 %) individuals were with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and 13 (18.3 %) individuals were with variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in different IAS related genes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The current study is the first comprehensive study on the inherited arrhythmia syndromes in Oman and the Arabian Gulf countries. It provides insight about the demographic, clinical and genetic profile of the most common IAS in the region, hence helping in early detection of different types of IAS types and prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients and their relatives. Continuous research efforts in the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying these disorders will help to identify potential targets for improved disease-specific treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 3","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12186733/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christopher D Tristan, Risalina Myrtha, Matthew A Wijayanto, Erlangga M Kynaya, Muhammad F Hamka, Nathania E Sudiono, Muhammad A Rusyidi, Muhana F Ilyas
{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Olezarsen in Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Christopher D Tristan, Risalina Myrtha, Matthew A Wijayanto, Erlangga M Kynaya, Muhammad F Hamka, Nathania E Sudiono, Muhammad A Rusyidi, Muhana F Ilyas","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1439","DOIUrl":"10.37616/2212-5043.1439","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Olezarsen emerged as a novel promising Apo-C3 inhibitor for dyslipidemia. However, its dose-response relationship remains uncertain. This review aims to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of olezarsen, safety measures, and dose-response effects to determine the optimal dose. A systematic search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, Science-Direct, and CENTRAL on January 2, 2025. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing olezarsen with placebo in dyslipidemia was included. The Rob 2.0 tool was implemented to assess quality. R-studio and STATA were used to conduct statistical analysis. From a total of 194 documents at initial search, four RCTs involving 361 patients were included in the present analysis. Olezarsen significantly reduces plasma Apo-C3 across all dosage cohorts, including a 50 mg dose (MD: -70.31 %; 95 % CI: -83.89 to -56.74; p < 0.01) and an 80 mg dose administered every four weeks. It also significantly lowered triglycerides at any dose level, with reductions observed at 50 mg (MD: -49.84 %; 95 % CI = -70.42 to -22.37; p = 0) and 80 mg (MD: -52.32 %; 95 % CI: -58.25 to -46.40; p < 0.01). Olezarsen has minimal effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) but significantly increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dose-response meta-analysis modeling suggests that 50 mg administered every four weeks may represent the optimal dose, beyond which added benefits diminish. Safety analysis revealed tolerability in liver, renal, and hematological parameters. In conclusion, olezarsen is an effective Apo-C3 inhibitor that improves lipid profiles with a favorable safety profile. This modeling-based insight refines previous findings by delineating a clearer therapeutic window.</p>","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 3","pages":"3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12186734/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mattia A Amico, Matteo Casini, Egidio N Costanzo, Mario Moroni, Nazario Carrabba
{"title":"Unmasking Myocardial Bridging: Multimodal Imaging and Tailored Medical Approach in Exercise-induced Angina - A Case Report.","authors":"Mattia A Amico, Matteo Casini, Egidio N Costanzo, Mario Moroni, Nazario Carrabba","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1437","DOIUrl":"10.37616/2212-5043.1437","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary anomaly in which a segment of a coronary artery runs intramyocardially. We present the case of a 38-year-old male with myocardial bridging in the mid-left anterior descending artery who developed exercise-induced angina. This case underscores the importance of recognizing MB as a cause of ischemia that should not be overlooked in the diagnostic workup of patients with angina, especially in younger individuals. A comprehensive diagnostic approach, including multimodality imaging, is essential to uncover the pathology. A tailored pharmacological strategy is recommended. Long-term clinical follow-up is crucial for optimizing symptom management and reducing complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 3","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12186732/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah M Abdelhady, Ahmed K Araquib, Adel M Shabana, Adel G Hassanein, Ramy R Elias
{"title":"Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Anthracycline-based Chemotherapy Using Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.","authors":"Sarah M Abdelhady, Ahmed K Araquib, Adel M Shabana, Adel G Hassanein, Ramy R Elias","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1433","DOIUrl":"10.37616/2212-5043.1433","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Anthracyclines used in the treatment of breast cancer are known for their cumulative cardiotoxic effect. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is a promising technique in detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation is a new field aiming to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve cardiopulmonary fitness among cancer patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study included 100 female patients with de novo breast cancer and treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Group (1) included patients who were allocated to cardiac rehabilitation program in addition to their regular chemotherapeutic drugs and group 2 included patients who received chemotherapy only. Standard 2-dimensional echocardiography and 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for assessment of left ventricle global longitudinal strain were performed to all patients before receiving the chemotherapy and at 3 and 6 months after.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At 3 months, no significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 2 as regards the left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrial volume Index. However, a significant difference was observed as regards E/E' (5.25 (4.5-5.5) in group 1 versus 7.5 (5-9.5) in group 2 with P value ≤ 0.01) and also in the average global longitudinal strain between the 2 groups; (-18.81 ± 1.39 in group 1 vs. -18.21 ± 1.43 in group 2, P = 0.092). At 6 months, Ejection fraction showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (64.10 ± 3.52 in group 1 vs. 59.46 ± 5.57 in group 2, P ≤ 0.01) which was also accompanied by a significant change in average global longitudinal strain (-18.91 ± 1.39 in group 1 vs. -17.89 ± 1.54 in group 2, P = 0.001). As regards cardiotoxicity (defined as ≥15 % change in average global longitudinal strain), there were no cases detected in group 1 despite the presence of 4 cases (8 %) in group 2 with a mean change of global longitudinal strain (16 %).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cardiac rehabilitation program has a protective role against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 2","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12129464/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144208863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdullah Saeed, Abdullah AlShafea, Hussain Aldaghaies, Abdullatif Saeed, Abdulrahman Alshehri
{"title":"Genetic Factors Associated With Myocardial Infarction in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Abdullah Saeed, Abdullah AlShafea, Hussain Aldaghaies, Abdullatif Saeed, Abdulrahman Alshehri","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1436","DOIUrl":"10.37616/2212-5043.1436","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of mortality in Saudi Arabia, with individuals sharing genetic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors. The present investigation aimed to review the literature on genetic susceptibility to MI among Saudi individuals, with a specific emphasis on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for coronary artery disease (CAD) and MI. Studies have revealed the relationship between polymorphisms in genes such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1), which are involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and endothelial function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This PROSPERO-registered systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42024603752) evaluates genetic determinants of myocardial infarction among Saudi adults. Five databases were searched (1989-Oct 2024) according to PRISMA guidelines. Case-control and cohort studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed using random-effects models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings suggest that several polymorphic genes are highly associated with MI in Saudi citizens. There is strong evidence indicating that PCSK9, CETP, and CDKN2B-AS1 contribute to susceptibility to MI, though the effect of these polymorphic genes varies. The meta-analysis confirmed that MI is a polygenic disease, and genetic predisposition, in combination with individual lifestyle factors, determines disease progression.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study establishes that genetic factors significantly contribute to MI in Saudi Arabia. Integrating genetic screening with traditional cardiovascular risk assessments can enhance early intervention strategies. The findings highlight the need for MI prevention programs tailored to specific genotypes in the Saudi population.</p>","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 3","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12129463/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144216208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Can the Location of Angina Predict the Site of Coronary Artery Occlusion in Acute Myocardial Infarction? - The ACOLYTE Study.","authors":"Kamal Sharma, Ashwati Konat, Poojan Prajapati, Kavya Darji, Shalin Rawal, Vatsa Bhavsar, Prahar Darji, Yashrajsinh Gohil, Masum Patel, Shubham Patel, Parjanya Bhatt, Yashvi Pethani, Stuti Shah, Hardik Desai","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1434","DOIUrl":"10.37616/2212-5043.1434","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the relationship between the location of chest pain (topography) and the site of coronary artery involvement in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This prospective, observational study included 411 consecutive ACS patients admitted to a tertiary care center between January 2017 and December 2019. A total of 589 angina topographic sites were analyzed. The site and characteristics of chest pain, along with electrocardiogram and coronary angiography findings, were documented and assessed for correlation with the involved coronary artery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 411 patients, 337 (82.0 %) were male and 74 (18.0 %) were female. The mean age was 57.03 ± 11.28 years. In both ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), the left anterior descending (LAD) artery was the most commonly affected vessel-201 cases (63.4 %) in STEMI and 49 (53.3 %) in NSTEMI. LAD occlusion correlated with retrosternal pain (r = 0.298, p = 0.001). The left circumflex artery showed a correlation with jaw and neck pain (r = 0.647, p = 0.001) and backache with shoulder pain (r = 0.585, p = 0.001). The right coronary artery correlated with retrosternal plus jaw and neck pain (r = 0.713, p = 0.001), and with retrosternal plus back pain (r = 0.719, p = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is a significant correlation between the topography of chest pain and the involved coronary artery. These findings may aid in early recognition of the culprit vessel in ACS and serve as a foundation for future diagnostic tools, especially in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 2","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12129465/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144208862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fouad T Alshammari, Afrah A Alonazi, Mohammed D Almutairi, Khaled A Majrashi, Atheer M Almutairi, Muhammad A Shah
{"title":"Impact of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) on Left Ventricular Mass, Volumes, and Pressure. A Single-center Echocardiographic Analysis.","authors":"Fouad T Alshammari, Afrah A Alonazi, Mohammed D Almutairi, Khaled A Majrashi, Atheer M Almutairi, Muhammad A Shah","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1435","DOIUrl":"10.37616/2212-5043.1435","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment for surgically high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). This study aimed to assess the echocardiographic outcomes of TAVI in patients with severe AS, focusing on left ventricular mass, volume, and pressure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective, registry-based, single-center study was conducted at King Salman Heart Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We included 200 adult patients who underwent the TAVI procedure and completed at least one year of clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. Baseline demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data were collected and paired pre- and post-procedure echocardiographic measurements were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Paired analysis in comparison of pre and post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) shows significant improvement in left ventricular (LV) mass, volume, and pressure.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrates that transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) leads to significant improvement in key echocardiographic parameters such as left ventricular (LV) size, functions, mass, and ejection fractions (EF).</p>","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 2","pages":"12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12129462/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144208864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Platelet-to-White Blood Cell Ratio and Prognostic Biomarker for Spontaneous Reperfusion After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.","authors":"Hinpetch Daungsupawong, Viroj Wiwanitkit","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1428","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37616/2212-5043.1428","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 2","pages":"6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068874/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144027304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gökhan Alıcı, Tayfur Erdoğdu, Arafat Yıldırım, Özge Ö Abacıoğlu, Ömer Genç, Ceyhun Yücel, Örsan D Urgun, Abdullah Yıldırım, Şerafettin Demir
{"title":"Response to the Letter Titled: \"Platelet-to-White Blood Cell Ratio and Prognostic Biomarker for Spontaneous Reperfusion after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention\" by Hinpetch Daungsupawong.","authors":"Gökhan Alıcı, Tayfur Erdoğdu, Arafat Yıldırım, Özge Ö Abacıoğlu, Ömer Genç, Ceyhun Yücel, Örsan D Urgun, Abdullah Yıldırım, Şerafettin Demir","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1429","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37616/2212-5043.1429","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 2","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068873/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143978666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Omar Hamodat, Saif Almuzainy, Rand Yahya, Salam Koniali
{"title":"Comparison of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure vs Medical Therapy for the Prevention of Recurrent Cryptogenic Stroke: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Omar Hamodat, Saif Almuzainy, Rand Yahya, Salam Koniali","doi":"10.37616/2212-5043.1427","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37616/2212-5043.1427","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The optimal management approach for patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains uncertain. Whether medical therapy-using antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants-or transcatheter device closure offers superior protection against stroke recurrence has been a topic of considerable debate. This systematic review aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of these two treatment strategies, incorporating recent studies to provide updated insights on the most effective approach to preventing recurrent cryptogenic stroke.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid database through December 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing PFO closure versus medical therapy among patients with cryptogenic stroke.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This systematic review analyzed 7 RCTs encompassing 4539 patients with a mean age of 43.6 years, 53.38 % of whom were male. Patient characteristics, including comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, were well-balanced across groups receiving PFO closure or medical therapy. The primary analysis revealed a significant reduction in stroke incidence with PFO closure compared to medical therapy, with no stroke events in the PFO closure groups of the CLOSE and DEFENSE-PFO trials. Similarly, transient ischemic attack (TIA) incidence was consistently lower in PFO closure groups. All-cause mortality was comparable between groups, underscoring the safety profile of PFO closure. However, PFO closure was associated with a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation. Major bleeding risks varied, reflecting the need for tailored risk assessment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PFO closure offers a significant advantage over medical therapy in preventing recurrent cryptogenic stroke and TIA. Nevertheless, the observed increase in atrial fibrillation postclosure highlights the need for additional research to elucidate its long-term implications and to determine whether anticoagulation could benefit specific subsets of patients with PFO and a history of stroke.</p>","PeriodicalId":17319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Saudi Heart Association","volume":"37 2","pages":"5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11996193/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143998637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}