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Patent foramen ovale as a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke
M Di Tullio1, R L Sacco, A Gopal
1Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|September 15, 1992
Summary
Patent foramen ovale is more common in cryptogenic stroke patients, indicating it
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cardiac anomaly.
- Its role in cryptogenic stroke remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare PFO prevalence in cryptogenic vs. determined stroke.
- To evaluate PFO as a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with nested case-control analysis.
- 146 acute ischemic stroke patients evaluated.
- Contrast echocardiography used to detect PFO, blinded to stroke type.
Main Results:
- Overall PFO prevalence was 18%.
- PFO prevalence was significantly higher in cryptogenic stroke (31%) vs. determined stroke (69%) across all age groups.
- PFO strongly associated with cryptogenic stroke (OR, 7.2).
Conclusions:
- PFO is a significant risk factor for cryptogenic stroke.
- Higher PFO prevalence observed in cryptogenic stroke patients, irrespective of age.
- Contrast echocardiography recommended for unknown stroke causes.
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