Patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular events, especially in young adults with first diagnosed cryptogenic stroke. The prevalence PFO among healthy adults is about 24%, whereas in young adults with cryptogenic stroke - 33-48%. Paradoxical embolism through a PFO may be one of the causes of ischemic stroke. It is important to identify the PFO to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.