Patent foramen ovale and stroke.
The presence of a patent foramen ovale has been found to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke of otherwise unknown origin (cryptogenic stroke). The present article will review the evidence regarding this association, the technical aspects of PFO detection, and the preventive options to decrease the risk of recurrent cerebral events.
Homma
Shunichi
S
Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. sh23@columbia.edu
Di Tullio
Marco R
MR
D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control