Patent foramen ovale and stroke prevention - To close or not to close: A teachable moment

摘要

Story From the Front Lines A 65-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension was seen in clinic for hospital follow-up. He had previously been admitted to the hospital with slurred speech and aphasia and diagnosed as having a left middle cerebral artery ischemic infarct. Tissue plasminogen activator was administered with a positive neurologic outcome. His only residual deficit was numbness in 3 digits in his right hand impacting his dexterity, which was improving with therapy.