Clinical Relevance
In about 30% of adults the foramen ovale does not close completely, but remains as a small patent foramen ovale.
PFO has long been studied because of its demonstrated role in some cases of paradoxical embolism. After exclusion of more common causes of stroke and TIA, transesophageal echocardiography should be considered in order to exclude cardiogenic foci of embolism. The presence of a patent foramen ovale should be considered as a possible cause of the cerebrovascular event, even though it may simply be an occasional finding in patients with cryptogenic stroke.
Read more about this topic: Foramen Ovale (heart)
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