title: Patent Foramen Ovale: Stroke and Device Closure.
abstract: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common finding in healthy adults and has long been implicated in cryptogenic stroke. The pathogenesis is hypothesized to be caused by microemboli gaining access into the systemic circulation via a PFO. Proposed treatment options include medical therapy and/or PFO closure. Despite numerous studies and several randomized trials, much debate persists regarding the efficacy of this approach in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke in cryptogenic stroke patients. This article reviews the association between PFO and cryptogenic stroke, as well as current evidence for PFO device closure.
authors.affiliation: Interventional Cardiology, Rush Center for Congenital & Structural Heart Disease, Rush University Medical Center, 1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Cardiology, St Mary Medical Center, Community HealthCare Network, Community Healthcare System, 1500 South Lake Park Avenue, Suite 110, Hobart, IN 46342, USA. Electronic address: Hussam_suradi@rush.edu.
authors.forename: Hussam S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Suradi
authors.affiliation: Sidra Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Sidra Medical & Research Center, Al Corniche street, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Ziyad M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Hijazi
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D055989:Septal Occluder Device; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: Closure devices; Cryptogenic stroke; Patent foramen ovale; Shunt closure; Transient ischemic attack