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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

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