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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Cochleovestibular Transient Ischemic Attack as a Manifestation of Patent Foramen Ovale
Michele Ori1, Mario Faralli1, Giampietro Ricci1
1Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Abstract:
Paradoxical embolization is the most commonly proposed mechanism for ischemia in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO). We hypothesize that these patients can experience a microembolic genesis of cochleovestibular dysfunction, with a peripheral vestibular syndrome and simultaneous cochlear signs. Hence, we report the first case in literature associating PFO and acute transitory audiovestibular loss, which occurred in a male who had had an ischemic mesencephalic stroke several months ago. The patient's history and duration of the current event of less than 24 hours following complete functional recovery without any damage highlight the vascular cause in cochleovestibular dysfunction and support the existence of a clinical entity that could be named "cochleovestibular transient ischemic attack".
Insights
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) may cause microemboli leading to temporary hearing and balance loss. This case suggests a new condition: cochleovestibular transient ischemic attack.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is linked to paradoxical embolization causing ischemic events.
- Cochleovestibular dysfunction, including peripheral vestibular syndrome and cochlear signs, can arise from microembolic events.
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