Cryptogenic cerebral ischemia: clinical usefulness of a flexible ultrasound diagnostic algorithm for detection of patent foramen ovale.

Objectives: Paradoxical thromboembolism across a patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be involved in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic strokes. We tested the feasibility and the clinical usefulness of an early screening for PFO combining different ultrasound techniques in patients with acute cerebral ischemia of undetermined cause.

Methods: Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with undetermined cause were selected.

Short-Term and Two-Year Rate of Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events in Patients with Acute Cerebral Ischemia of Undetermined Aetiology, with and without a Patent Foramen Ovale.

Purpose. We investigated stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke of undetermined aetiology, with or without a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Methods.