Headaches in Children After Transcatheter Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defects: A Single-Centre Experience

Background

Transcatheter device closure (TDC) is the most common treatment for isolated atrial septal defects in children. In the adult population, the incidence of new-onset migraine headache after TDC is well recognized and is estimated at 15%. New-onset headache after paediatric TDC has not been well described. We reviewed our centre’s experience to estimate the rate of headache complaints among paediatric patients after TDC.

Methods

We performed a single-centre, retrospective review of all children who underwent TDC between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. For the included patients, we comprehensively reviewed the electronic medical record to identify patients reported to experience post-TDC headache.

Results

A total of 165 consecutive patients underwent TDC during the study period. Of these, 134 met inclusion criteria, and 20 patients (15%) had headache documented in the electronic medical record. Of 20 patients, 4 (20%) had headaches that led to further investigation or changed postprocedural medical management. Two patients had brain magnetic resonance imaging to investigate headaches; both studies were interpreted as nonpathologic. One patient required emergency department management for status migrainosus. A second, with a prior history of migraine, required admission for migraine exacerbation. In addition to those needing symptomatic management, 3 patients had a change in their antiplatelet regimen from aspirin to clopidogrel.

Conclusions

Our study suggests a minimal estimate of 15% as the incidence of headache in children who undergo TDC. This estimate can inform counselling before TDC. Determination of the true incidence will require focused prospective data collection.