Ischaemic stroke in patients with patent foramen ovale

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is one of the most common defects of the atrial septum. PFO can be linked to several brain disorders including stroke. PFO is more prevalent in young patients with cryptogenic stroke than in the general stroke population. Data from the literature do not indicate the role of PFO and/or atrial septal aneurysm in pathogenesis of first-ever and recurrent stroke. Antithrombotics seem to decrease the risk of stroke recurrence, but oral anticoagulants also increase the risk of haemorrhagic complications. Results of studies on percutaneous or surgical closure of PFO are insufficient to make clinical therapeutic decisions. Both the role of PFO in recurrent stroke as well as the most efficacious therapeutic approach in preventing recurrent strokes remain to be elucidated in further studies.