Multimodality imaging approach of patent foramen ovale: Practical considerations for transient ischemic attack/stroke

Abstract

A patent foramen ovale, which is present in up to 25% of the population, is a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke (which accounts for 15%–40% of strokes) and transient ischemic attack via paradoxical embolism. This narrative review focuses on the multimodality imaging approach of the diagnosis and periprocedural guidance of patent foramen ovale, with an emphasis on the use of agitated saline as contrast medium in echocardiography, starting from embryologic aspects. Therefore, we aimed to make a concise and complete presentation of the protocol used for this type of evaluation, along with multimodality imaging approach of the patent foramen ovale and practical considerations for transient ischemic attack/stroke.