Patent Foramen Ovale and Risk for Recurrent Stroke

PFO does not significantly raise risk for recurrent cerebral ischemic events.

Among patients with cryptogenic stroke, whether the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) elevates risk for recurrent cerebral ischemia is unclear. In a meta-analysis, researchers examined this question.

In four controlled observational studies involving 1081 medically treated patients with previous cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), patients with and without PFOs were compared. During mean follow-ups of 31 to 42 months, risk for recurrent stroke or TIA was not significantly elevated in patients who had PFOs compared with those who did not (relative risk, 1.1). In addition, risk for stroke alone was similar in the two groups (RR, 0.8 for PFO patients).

The researchers also calculated the absolute rate of recurrent cereb…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Patent Foramen Ovale and Risk for Recurrent Stroke

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Reviewing Author