Myth or Evidence-Based Reality: Do Patent Foramen Ovales Lead to Cryptogenic Strokes? Is routine closure of patent foramen ovate warranted?

摘要

On December 18, 2005, Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel, experienced the sudden onset of aphasia.1 Despite being overweight, he had none of the traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease-hypertension, history of smoking, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol levels. When further workup was pursued, transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large patent foramen ovale (PFO), with an atrial septal aneurysm and spontaneous right-to-left shunt.