Prevalence & Clinical Significance of Patent Foramen Ovale in Young Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke Using Contrast Echocardiography

Abstract

Background: Cryptogenic stroke accounts for a substantial proportion of ischemic strokes in young adults. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is increasingly recognized as a potential etiological factor through paradoxical embolism. Contrast echocardiography has emerged as a sensitive diagnostic modality for detecting right-to-left shunts.