RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke: diagnosis and updates in secondary stroke prevention
JF Stroke and Vascular Neurology
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 84
OP 91
DO 10.1136/svn-2018-000173
VO 3
IS 2
A1 Yuan, Kristy
A1 Kasner, Scott Eric
YR 2018
UL http://svn.bmj.com/content/3/2/84.abstract
AB The patent foramen ovale (PFO), given its high prevalence in the general population and especially in patients with cryptogenic stroke, has long generated investigation and debate on its propensity for stroke by paradoxical embolism and its management for stroke prevention. The pendulum has swung for percutaneous PFO closure for secondary stroke prevention in cryptogenic stroke. Based on a review of current evidence, the benefit from PFO closure relies on careful patient selection: those under the age of 60 years with few to no vascular risk factors and embolic-appearing stroke deemed cryptogenic after thorough evaluation. As these data look towards influencing guideline statements and device approvals in the future, patient selection remains the crucial ingredient for clinical decision making and future trials.