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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Percutaneous PFO closure for the prevention of recurrent brain abscess
Matthew LaBarbera1, M Joshua Berkowitz, Alan Shah
1Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. mp1215@med.nyu.edu
Abstract:
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) can act as a conduit between the venous and arterial circulations, allowing right-to-left shunting and bypass of the pulmonary circulation. Brain abscess may develop as a result of paradoxical embolism of organisms through a PFO. In this small series, we report on the closure of PFO for the prevention of recurrent brain abscess. Only prospective, randomized trials comparing PFO closure to conservative therapy could provide a definitive answer as to the optimal strategy for preventing recurrent cerebral abscess.
Insights
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure may prevent recurrent brain abscesses by closing a heart defect that allows paradoxical embolism. Further trials are needed to confirm this strategy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an atrial septal defect that can allow paradoxical embolism.
- Paradoxical embolism through a PFO can lead to brain abscess formation.
Observation:
- This study reports on PFO closure in patients experiencing recurrent brain abscesses.
- The PFO acted as a conduit for right-to-left shunting, bypassing pulmonary circulation.
Findings:
- PFO closure was performed for the prevention of recurrent brain abscess in this series.
- The potential role of PFO closure in preventing recurrent cerebral abscesses is explored.
Implications:
- Prospective, randomized trials are necessary to definitively compare PFO closure with conservative therapy.
- Establishing the optimal strategy for preventing recurrent cerebral abscesses requires further investigation.
