Figure 2
Alt text: In the London Ontario Stroke Registry, 38% of ischaemic strokes were cryptogenic. In 12% of cases of cryptogenic stroke, a patent foramen ovale was present, but this percentage rose to 30% when considering only cryptogenic strokes. Seven per cent of ischaemic strokes were observed in patients aged 60 years or younger. The prevalence of cryptogenic stroke in patients aged 60 years or younger increased to 60%. A causal role of the patent foramen ovale in the determination of stroke was attributable in 4% of the overall cases of ischaemic stroke, but in 55% of the affecting patients age 60 years or younger. The patent foramen ovale is, therefore, a not rare cause of embolic stroke in young people and before the sixth decade of life.

An occult patent foramen ovale is often the cause of cryptogenic stroke in young people or adults. Data from the London Ontario Stroke Registry. Modified from: Sposato LA, Albin CSW, Elkind MSV, Kamel H, Saver JL. Patent foramen ovale management for secondary stroke prevention: state of the art appraisal of current evidence. Stroke. 2024;55(1):236–247.

Close
This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

Close

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

View Article Abstract & Purchase Options

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Close