Patent foramen ovale
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a medical condition characterized by the persistence of a small opening between the atria of the heart that normally closes shortly after birth. This opening, known as the foramen ovale, is a necessary part of fetal circulation but typically seals off as part of the normal changes that occur in the heart after birth.
Anatomy and Physiology[edit | edit source]
The foramen ovale is an opening in the septum between the right atrium and the left atrium of the fetal heart. During fetal development, this opening allows blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs and flow directly from the right atrium to the left atrium, facilitating efficient oxygenation via the placenta. After birth, the increase in blood pressure in the left atrium typically causes the foramen ovale to close, forming a structure known as the fossa ovalis.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
In some individuals, the foramen ovale fails to close completely, resulting in a patent foramen ovale. This condition can allow blood to flow between the atria, potentially leading to various complications. While many people with a PFO are asymptomatic, the condition can be associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly in the presence of other risk factors such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
PFO is often diagnosed incidentally during echocardiography performed for other reasons. Specific diagnostic techniques include:
- Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- Bubble study during echocardiography
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment options for PFO depend on the presence and severity of symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals typically do not require treatment. For those with symptoms or complications, options may include:
- Antiplatelet therapy
- Anticoagulation therapy
- Percutaneous closure using a catheter-based device
- Surgical closure
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with a PFO is generally good, especially if the condition is asymptomatic. However, those with a history of stroke or other complications may require ongoing medical management to reduce the risk of future events.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Categories[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
