A patent foramen ovale or PFO is a defect in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. This defect is actually an incomplete closure of the atrial wall that results in a flap or valve-like ...

Much remains to learn about this anatomical finding, seen in about one-third of adults, and how it may affect stroke risk.

Messe SR, Silverman IE, Kizer JR, et al. Practice parameter: recurrent stroke with patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American ...

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present in nearly one-quarter of patients in autopsy studies and is even more prevalent in young patients with cryptogenic stroke. Whether these PFOs should be ...