Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 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

Evaluation of patent foramen ovale in young adults with cryptogenic stroke

Hossein Ali Ebrahimi1, Akbar Hamzeaie Moghadam, Esmaeel Aredestani

  • 1MD, Professor, Kerman Neurosciences Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

ARYA Atherosclerosis
|May 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cause of cryptogenic stroke in young adults. This study found PFO in 53% of young stroke patients, highlighting its importance for stroke etiology and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Stroke is a major global cause of death and disability.
  • Cryptogenic strokes, with undetermined causes, account for up to 40% of strokes in young adults.
  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common cardiac defect and a potential underlying cause of cryptogenic stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the frequency of PFO in young adults (<50 years) experiencing strokes of unknown etiology.
  • To compare PFO prevalence in stroke patients versus a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study conducted at Shafa Medical Center, Kerman.
  • Utilized agitated saline test with transcranial Doppler sonography for PFO detection.
  • Included brain stroke patients with unknown etiology and a control group of normal individuals.

Main Results:

  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) was identified in 53% of young stroke patients.
  • The prevalence of PFO in the control group was 20%.
  • Patients with large PFO experienced two or more stroke recurrences, while control subjects did not have large PFO.

Conclusions:

  • PFO is a significant underlying cause of cryptogenic stroke in young adults.
  • Antiplatelet therapy is recommended for first-time stroke patients.
  • PFO closure should be considered for patients with recurrent strokes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Agitated Normal Saline Test.Patent Foramen OvaleStrokeYoung Adults

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

Related Concept Videos

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...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
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.
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography

Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...