Patent foramen ovale and stroke in childhood: A systematic review of the literature.

CONCLUSIONS: High quality research in the pediatric population is lacking and most of the data is extrapolated from adults. Paradoxical embolism from a PFO as a cause of transient ischemic attack or stroke is a diagnosis of exclusion. PFO closure should be individualized based on significant shunting and risk factors such that maximum benefit is derived from the procedure. A young person with a PFO and stroke should be thoroughly investigated to rule out other etiologies. PMID: 27169856 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Eur J Paediatr Neurol Source Type: research