A Retrospective Analysis of Self-Limiting Fever following Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale and Atrial Septal Defect Closure

While percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD) are generally well-tolerated procedures, the development of postprocedure fever has been observed at a higher frequency than reported in the initial device trials. We performed a retrospective analysis of 62 patients who underwent PFO or ASD closure from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, at Mayo Clinic, Arizona. Eight patients out of 62 (12.9%) developed fever following PFO or ASD closure. In each of the fever cases, the Gore Cardioform devices (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) were used. No association was found between clinical characteristics or procedural details and the development of fever. The reactions occurred 24 to 48 hours following device implantation and resolved spontaneously. No evidence of infection was found upon diagnostic evaluation. There was a higher incidence of self-limited atrial fibrillation (AF) in the fever patients (37.5% vs. 18.5%) which was not statistically significant. All patients who developed fever had successful closure with no other subsequent clinical events. We have found a high incidence of fever following PFO or ASD closure using the Gore family of devices that has not been observed in prior years. A unifying etiology or risk factor, such as infection or medication, for the fever could not be identified. Long-term device success was achieved in all fever patients. This small retrospective study suggests that the observed fever is benign and self-limiting but further investigation is warranted to determine its true incidence, mechanism, and prognosis.