[Acute bilateral thalamic infarcts in a young man with patent foramen ovale].
BACKGROUND
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with cryptogenic stroke in young patients.


METHODS
A 27-year-old man presented with acute confusional syndrome, altered language, bradypsychia and somnolence. Brain MRI showed symmetrical bilateral thalamic infarctions probably due to occlusion of Percheron's artery type 2b. Echocardiography showed patent foramen ovale.


CONCLUSIONS
Cerebrovascular disease is a frequent cause of disability and even death in young patients, and thus its medical approach should be emphasized.
Chávez-Valencia
Venice
V
Medicina Interna, Hospital Central Sur de Alta Especialidad Pemex, México D.F., México. drvenicechv@yahoo.com.mx
Soto-Cabrera
Elizabeth
E
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D020520:Brain Infarction / Q000209:etiology*; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013788:Thalamus / Q000098:blood supply*