Patent foramen ovale closure in patients with apoplexia

: Epidemiological studies have shown a larger prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) than in patients without CIS. In 2017, three randomised clinical trials showed a beneficial effect of PFO closure in patients with CIS. Among patients with CIS and PFO, those who underwent PFO closure, had a lower risk of stroke recurrence than those treated with antithrombotic therapy alone. In this review, we analyse the existing evidence and set up suggestions for future recommendations for PFO closure in patients with CIS.