title: Patent foramen ovale and obstructive sleep apnoea: from pathophysiology to diagnosis of a potentially dangerous association.
abstract: Patent foramen ovale and obstructive sleep apnoea are frequently encountered in the general population. Owing to their prevalence, they may coexist fortuitously; however, the prevalence of patent foramen ovale seems to be higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. We have reviewed the epidemiological data, pathophysiology, and the diagnostic and therapeutic options for both patent foramen ovale and obstructive sleep apnoea. We focus on the interesting pathophysiological links that could explain a potential association between both pathologies and their implications, especially on the risk of stroke.
authors.affiliation: Service of cardiology, CHU Vaudois (CHUV), University of Lausanne, 46, rue du Bugnon, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Cyril
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pellaton
authors.forename: Raphaël
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heinzer
authors.forename: Patrik
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eeckhout
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology