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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
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Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
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Patent foramen ovale presenting as visual loss
Xiaoxuan Liu1, Patrick A Calvert2, Sayqa Arif2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
JRSM Open
|February 17, 2017
Summary
Retinal artery occlusion is rare in young, healthy patients. Patent foramen ovale should be considered, and prompt cardiology referral is crucial for preventing further events.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) typically affects older individuals.
- RAO in young, healthy patients presents a diagnostic challenge.
- Underlying causes must be thoroughly investigated to prevent recurrence.
Observation:
- A case of RAO in a young, healthy patient is presented.
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) was identified as a potential contributing factor.
- This highlights the importance of considering cardiac etiologies in young RAO patients.
Findings:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) can be an embolic source for retinal artery occlusion.
- Early diagnosis of PFO is critical in young RAO patients.
- Multidisciplinary evaluation including cardiology is essential.
Implications:
- Considering PFO in young RAO patients can prevent future ocular and systemic thromboembolic events.
- Prompt cardiology referral facilitates timely diagnosis and management of PFO.
- This approach improves outcomes and reduces the risk of recurrent RAO.
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