White matter hyperintensity burden in young patent foramen ovale patients and its correlation with migraine.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) may play an important role in the progression of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) through paradoxical embolism-induced chronic cerebral microcirculatory dysfunction. WMH is closely associated with the pathogenesis of migraine. This study aims to investigate the burden of WMH in young patients with PFO and their potential association with migraine.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 47 young patients with PFO (PFO group) and 50 healthy controls (HC group). The Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were recorded to assess the severity of migraine. Conventional MRI was utilized to evaluate periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) and deep white matter

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12807939 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature