Patent foramen ovale: a nonfunctional embryological remnant or a potential cause of significant pathology?
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-1992
Abstract
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an embryological remnant found in 27% of adults. It is a potential right-to-left intracardiac shunt. Shunting may be the result of reversal in the interatrial pressure gradient or abnormal streaming of blood in the right atrium. The pathologic consequences of right-to-left shunting include hypoxemia and paradoxical embolism. PFO may exacerbate preexisting hypoxemia or be its primary cause. Paradoxical embolism through a PFO is well documented. Its role in cryptogenic stroke remains controversial. A PFO may be detected by both invasive and noninvasive techniques. Contrast transesophageal echocardiography with provocative maneuvers is the diagnostic method of choice allowing visualization of the shunt. Patients with cryptogenic stroke should be screened for a PFO. If detected, noninvasive studies for deep vein thrombosis are recommended. Treatment must be tailored to the presentation. Surgical or transcatheter closure is recommended for hypoxemia. Prevention of venous embolism (air or thrombus) with or without closure of the PFO is recommended for paradoxical embolism.
Volume
5
Issue
3
First Page
259
Last Page
270
ISSN
0894-7317
Published In/Presented At
Movsowitz, C., Podolsky, L. A., Meyerowitz, C. B., Jacobs, L. E., & Kotler, M. N. (1992). Patent foramen ovale: a nonfunctional embryological remnant or a potential cause of significant pathology?. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography, 5(3), 259–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0894-7317(14)80346-5
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
1622617
Department(s)
Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division
Document Type
Article