Patent Foramen Ovale and Risk for Stroke Recurrence

A meta-analysis finds a low risk but does not provide a definitive answer on whether PFO closure can reduce the risk in selected patients.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is not a direct source of embolism, but it is probably the most commonly incriminated cardiac abnormality in strokes that occur in patients younger than 50. However, PFO is not a malformation stricto sensu, being present in around one quarter of the population, and direct evidence of paradoxical embolism through a PFO is rare (as is identification of a specific etiology in many stroke cases). Nonetheless, PFO closure is sometimes performed to prevent stroke recurrences.

To assess the absolute and relative risks for stroke recurrence in PFO patients who receive primarily medical treatment for stroke prophylaxis, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 15 studies with adequate follow-up data in patients with “crypto…

Reviewing Author

Julien Bogousslavsky, MD

Patent Foramen Ovale and Risk for Stroke Recurrence

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Reviewing Author