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Review
. 2010 Sep;56(2):134-41.
doi: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2010.05.008. Epub 2010 Jun 29.

Patent foramen ovale and stroke

Shunichi Homma  1 , Marco R Di Tullio
Affiliations
Review

Patent foramen ovale and stroke

Shunichi Homma et al. J Cardiol. 2010 Sep.

Abstract

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Example of PFO detection by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with contrast injection. Microbubbles are visualized filling the right-sided chambers and into the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Detection of microbubbles by transcranial Doppler (TCD) in the middle cerebral artery of a patient with a PFO. Microbubbles are visualized as spikes superimposed to the normal blood flow
Figure 3
Figure 3
Direct visualization of PFO by TEE. A separation (arrow) is seen between septum primum and septum secundum. LA = left atrium; RA = right atrium
Figure 4
Figure 4
Visualization of atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) by TEE. Protrusion of the atrial septum towards the right atrium is visible (arrow). LA = left atrium; RA = right atrium
Figure 5
Figure 5
Visualization by TEE of large thrombus crossing the PFO (arrows). LA = left atrium; RA = right atrium
Figure 6
Figure 6
Visualization by TEE of large thrombus (arrow) on the Eustachian valve. LA = left atrium; RA = right atrium; SVC = superior vena cava
Figure 7
Figure 7
Visualization by TTE (long axis view) of a PFO closing device. RV = right ventricle; RA = right atrium
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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