Association Between Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine With Aura: A Case-Control Observational Study Using Genetic and Neurosonological Analysis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the relationship between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine with aura (MA) in adults diagnosed with MA according to recognized criteria. This observational study aims to understand genetic differences, especially in the NOTCH3 gene and other related genes, between patients with and without PFO, and to investigate how these differences may relate to vascular and platelet function. The study seeks to provide insights into the biological mechanisms linking PFO and MA, which may influence future prevention and treatment strategies. Participants are classified into two groups: those with MA and PFO and those with MA without PFO. Each participant undergoes a single study visit including a detailed clinical and demographic assessment, neurosonological tests such as continuous Doppler monitoring for microembolic signals, cerebrovascular reactivity tests using breath-hold and hyperventilation, and contrast-enhanced shunt detection using agitated saline. Blood samples are collected for whole-exome sequencing focusing on selected genes and for platelet aggregation studies. During the visit, data on migraine characteristics and brain MRI findings are gathered when available. The study measures genetic variants, microembolic signals, cerebrovascular reactivity, cerebral autoregulation, and platelet function to analyze differences between groups. The study plans to enroll 240 adult participants over 36 months, aiming to clarify the biological differences between those with and without PFO and MA.

Neurogenetic And Hemodynamic Of Migraine Aura And Pfo