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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: current state of the art]

Ignacio Cruz-González1, Jorge Solis, Ignacio Inglessis-Azuaje

  • 1Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, Estados Unidos. i-cruz@secardiologia.es

Revista Espanola De Cardiologia
|July 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Patent foramen ovale, a common heart defect, is linked to conditions like stroke and migraine, but evidence is conflicting. Optimal treatment for this persistent congenital lesion remains under discussion.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Context:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital heart defect persisting into adulthood.
  • Affects over 25% of the adult population, increasing clinical interest.
  • Potential associations with cryptogenic stroke, platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, decompression sickness, and migraine are under investigation.

Purpose:

  • To review the anatomy, embryology, and epidemiology of patent foramen ovale.
  • To critically evaluate the evidence linking PFO to various pathological conditions.
  • To discuss current therapeutic options and ongoing debates in PFO management.

Summary:

  • PFO is a prevalent congenital cardiac lesion with debated associations to serious conditions.
  • Contradictory data exists regarding PFO's role in cryptogenic stroke, migraine, and other disorders.
  • The optimal treatment strategy for patients with PFO is still a subject of clinical debate.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive overview of PFO for clinicians and researchers.
  • Highlights the need for further research to clarify PFO's clinical significance.
  • Informs clinical decision-making regarding the diagnosis and management of PFO.

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