Patent foramen ovale: the current state of play

Learning objectives Understand the anatomy and embryology of the interatrial septum and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Develop an overview of the many clinical associations of a PFO. Appraise the clinical evidence for and against closure of PFO. Introduction Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common finding, occurring in up to 25% of people.1 2 An association between PFO and stroke has consistently been seen in up to 50% of patients without an identifiable cause, that is, the so-called cryptogenic stroke (CS) and only in 20% with an identified cause.3 4 Many studies have been published testing the hypothesis that paradoxical emboli through a PFO may be implicated, however the available evidence is mixed and conflicting,5 6 perhaps in part due to the low recurrence rate and long-term nature of these events....
Source: Heart - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Education in Heart, Echocardiography, Clinical diagnostic tests Source Type: research