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Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
Published on: December 23, 2022
Patent foramen ovale: is it an incidental finding to ignore or a disease to follow?
Maria Ossa-Galvis1, Seshadri Balaji2, Sethuraman Swaminathan1
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Insights
This study reviews managing incidental patent foramen ovale (PFO) in children. It highlights current debates on PFO treatment approaches for this young patient demographic.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Defects
Background:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital heart anomaly.
- Incidental PFO findings in asymptomatic children present diagnostic and management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the clinical management of incidentally discovered PFO in pediatric patients.
- To review current controversies and evidence regarding PFO intervention in young children.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of two clinical cases with incidental PFO.
- Review of existing literature and guidelines on PFO management in pediatric populations.
Main Results:
- The cases illustrate varied clinical scenarios of incidental PFO.
- Significant debate exists regarding the necessity and timing of PFO closure in children.
Conclusions:
- Management of incidental PFO in children requires careful consideration of individual risk factors.
- Further research is needed to clarify optimal PFO treatment strategies in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
The authors briefly present two clinical cases and discuss the approach to the management of an incidental finding of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a young child. We discuss the current controversies in the management of PFO in this age group.
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