Patent Foramen Ovale and Paradoxical Systemic Embolism Can We Determine High-Risk Characteristics by Echocardiography?

We read with interest the review paper on paradoxical embolism by Windecker et al. (1). It was suggested, on the basis of available evidence from published reports, that device closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) should be considered in patients with first-time cryptogenic stroke, particularly in those with high-risk criteria, such as presence of an atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), large PFO, Eustachian valve, or Chiari network. The viewpoints of Windecker et al. on those with high-risk criteria should be discussed and clarified.
Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research