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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
10:52
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
6.7K
Patent Foramen Ovale and Stroke.
1Columbia University Medical Center.
Summary
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is common, but usually asymptomatic. However, PFO may increase stroke risk in some patients, with ongoing debate about treatment options like closure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) affects nearly 25% of healthy individuals.
- Most PFO cases are asymptomatic and do not elevate stroke risk.
- PFO is more prevalent in patients experiencing cryptogenic stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between PFO and cryptogenic stroke.
- To explore epidemiological, pathophysiological, diagnostic, and treatment aspects.
- To discuss current controversies in PFO management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PFO and cryptogenic stroke.
- Discussion of diagnostic modalities including echocardiography and Doppler.
- Analysis of treatment strategies, including antiplatelet therapy and percutaneous closure.
Main Results:
- PFO is linked to cryptogenic stroke, potentially via paradoxical embolization.
- Transesophageal echocardiography is the gold standard for PFO diagnosis.
- Antiplatelet therapy is the standard treatment, but closure guidelines are debated.
Conclusions:
- PFO is a significant factor in cryptogenic stroke for a subset of patients.
- Diagnostic approaches vary, with echocardiography being key.
- Current guidelines do not favor percutaneous closure, despite ongoing controversy.
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