Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
10:52

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence

Published on: December 23, 2022

[Patent foramen ovale in a cohort of young patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke]

Marcus Tulius T Silva1, Roíza Rodrigues, João Tress

  • 1Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil. marcustulius@uol.com.br

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|August 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Interatrial septal abnormalities, including patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), are prevalent in young patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke (IS). Closure of these defects may prevent recurrent IS events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) are implicated in cryptogenic ischemic stroke (IS) in young adults.
  • The association between PFO/ASA and IS risk, particularly when co-occurring, warrants further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of PFO and ASA in young (<55 years) cryptogenic IS patients.
  • To evaluate the outcomes following closure of interatrial septal abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used to diagnose interatrial septal abnormalities in 189 IS patients, with a focus on 32 younger than 55.
  • Patients with cryptogenic IS and diagnosed abnormalities underwent percutaneous endovascular closure (PEC) or surgical closure.
  • Follow-up included monthly assessments and antiplatelet therapy (AAS or Clopidogrel).

Main Results:

  • Of 32 IS patients under 55, 29 had cryptogenic IS. Interatrial septal abnormalities were found in 41.3% (12/29).
  • PFO was present in 5 patients, and PFO with ASA in 7.
  • Ten patients underwent PEC, and 2 had surgical closure. No recurrent ischemic events were observed during a 28-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Interatrial septal abnormalities are common in young patients with cryptogenic IS.
  • Closure of PFO and ASA appears to be a safe and potentially effective strategy for preventing recurrent ischemic events in this population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients09:32

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Published on: December 18, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview01:17

Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview

Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart's blood supply dwindles, causing an ominous lack of oxygen and nutrients. This deficiency, stemming from reduced or obstructed blood flow, spells danger, leading to heart muscle damage and dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...