Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
A 51-year-old man with intramedullary spinal cord abscess having a patent foramen ovale
Kanako Higuchi1, Hiroyuki Ishihara, Shiho Okuda
1Department of Neurology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki Hospital, Amagasaki, Japan. kanakohiguchi1214@yahoo.co.jp
Abstract:
The authors report a case of a 51-year-old man with intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) having a patent foramen ovale (PFO). He developed fever and tetraplegia after a recent dental treatment. MRI showed ISCA with longitudinal swelling from the upper cervical to the lumbar spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated bacterial meningitis, and the culture of CSF revealed Streptococcus viridans. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed the existence of a PFO. We suspected another possibility other than systemic bacteraemia, that paradoxical bacteric embolisation through PFO after the dental treatment caused ISCA. While several reports of brain abscess with PFO are available, this is the first report of ISCA with PFO.
More Related Videos
14:59Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
06:59Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management