Prevalence of patent foramen ovale in a consecutive cohort of 261 patients undergoing routine "coronary" 64-multi-detector cardiac computed tomography.

Abstract

The prevalence of all grades of PFO (22.6%) and open flap PFO (11.1% = grade 2 and 3) with this technique compares with 24.3% by trans-oesophageal echocardiography (TOE) and 14.9% by saline contrast echocardiography (SCE). Further comparative studies are required but we believe an open flap PFO or ASA should be identified and recorded during cardiac CT. This approach may identify those at risk of cryptogenic stroke as well as avoid unnecessary tests in stroke patients.