The presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with or without an atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) has been associated with cryptogenic stroke or stroke of undefined cause, especially in young adults.
1-3 Paradoxical embolism through a PFO is thought to be the most likely stroke mechanism.
4,5 Patients with cryptogenic stroke related to PFO, particularly those with an associated ASA, seem to be at risk for stroke recurrence.
6-9 High recurrence rates of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are reported after medical treatment.
9,10 …