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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 and cryptogenic stroke.
Koki Nakanishi1, Minoru Yoshiyama2, Shunichi Homma1
1Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
|July 16, 2017
Summary
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is linked to higher cryptogenic stroke risk. This review covers PFO pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Medical Research
Background:
- A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an atrial septal defect present in approximately 25% of adults.
- PFO has been implicated as a potential risk factor for cryptogenic stroke, a stroke of unknown origin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in relation to cryptogenic stroke.
- To discuss the pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic interventions for patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of case-control studies and relevant medical research.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on PFO pathophysiology and diagnosis.
- Overview of established and emerging therapeutic options.
Main Results:
- Case-control studies consistently associate PFO with an increased risk of cryptogenic stroke.
- Understanding of PFO pathophysiology is evolving, with several proposed mechanisms for paradoxical embolism.
- Diagnostic modalities include echocardiography (TTE, TEE) and cardiac MRI.
Conclusions:
- PFO is a significant consideration in the workup of cryptogenic stroke.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise role of PFO and optimize therapeutic strategies.
- Management decisions for PFO in cryptogenic stroke require individualized assessment.
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