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Updated: May 30, 2026
10:52
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Patent foramen ovale in cerebral infarction
J Serena1, M Jiménez-Nieto, Y Silva
1Department of Neurology and Stroke Research Unit. Institut d'Investigaciò Biomèdica de Girona, Spain.
Current Cardiology Reviews
|August 2, 2011
Summary
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is linked to cryptogenic stroke. This review examines evidence for PFO treatments, including percutaneous closure, to guide management decisions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is increasingly associated with cryptogenic stroke.
- Current treatments include antiplatelets, anticoagulation, and PFO closure.
- Treatment decisions are based on clinical factors and shunt characteristics, but evidence is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the role of PFO in cryptogenic stroke.
- To review available evidence for optimal patient management.
- To provide diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for PFO-related stroke.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PFO and cryptogenic stroke.
- Analysis of clinical risk factors and shunt characteristics.
- Evaluation of current therapeutic options and their evidence base.
Main Results:
- A strong association exists between PFO and cryptogenic stroke.
- Risk stratification involves patient age, hypercoagulability, stroke history, PFO size, shunt magnitude, and atrial septal aneurysm.
- There is a lack of consensus on optimal treatment, with some approaches lacking clinical evidence.
Conclusions:
- PFO is a significant factor in cryptogenic stroke etiology.
- Evidence-based recommendations are needed for PFO management.
- Further research is required to establish definitive treatment guidelines.
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