Prothrombin G20210A Mutation, but Not Factor V Leiden, Is a Risk Factor in Patients with Persistent Foramen ovale and Otherwise Unexplained Cerebral Ischemia

Abstract

We identified PT G20210A but not FVL - the strongest genetic risk factor for deep venous thrombosis - to be significantly associated with stroke attributed to PFO. These findings rise doubts about the concept of paradoxical brain embolism as the dominating mechanism in stroke associated with PFO.