Patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke: a complex neuro-cardio-vascular problem.
Patent foramen ovale has been suggested to be a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke by means of paradoxical embolism. The data, however, are complex, conflicting and largely unavailable. In this review, we attempt to summarize the existing data separately for the questions of whether patent foramen ovale is associated with cryptogenic stroke and whether it is a risk factor for a first ischemic stroke and for recurrent strokes. Treatment options will be discussed, and the different viewpoints from the two specialists mainly involved in the care of those complex patients (neurologists and cardiologists) will be provided.
Spies
Christian
C
The Queen's Medical Center, Queen's Heart Physician Practice, 550 S Beretania Street, Suite 300, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. cspies@queens.org
Wong
Melvin
M
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors