Maikel Immens, Merel Sanne Ekker, Esmee Verburgt, Jamie Verhoeven, Mijntje Schellekens, Nina Hilkens, Esther Boot, Mayte van Alebeek, Paul J A M Brouwers, Renate Arntz, Gert van Dijk, Rob Gons, Inge van Uden, Tom den Heijer, Paul L M de Kort, K de Laat, Anouk Gw van Norden, Sarah E Vermeer, Marian van Zagten, Robert J van Oostenbrugge, Marieke Wermer, Paul J Nederkoorn, Henk Kerkhoff, F Rooyer, Frank van Rooij, Ido van den Wijngaard, Catharina Klijn, Anil M Tuladhar, Tim Ten Cate, Frank-Erik de Leeuw
BACKGROUND: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital anatomical variant which is associated with strokes in young adults. Contrary to vascular risk factors and atherosclerosis, a PFO is present from birth. However, it is completely unknown how an anatomical structure that is already present at birth in a large proportion of the population, can convert into a PFO that causes stroke in a few. Recent studies reported a significant association between certain trigger factors and ischemic stroke in young adults...
March 18, 2024: International Journal of Stroke: Official Journal of the International Stroke Society