Characterization of Recurrent Strokes With and Without Patent Foramen Ovale Closure

Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been demonstrated in clinical trials and meta-analyses to reduce the risk of subsequent stroke in patients who present with cryptogenic strokes (1). [...]outcomes were not assessed at a standardized time point. [...]the CEC classified strokes using the last-available modified Rankin Scale >2 or NIHSS >5 as moderate-to-severe. [...]for carefully selected patients with otherwise unexplained stroke and PFO, closure with the septal occluder devices plus antiplatelet therapy reduced the risk of recurrent cryptogenic stroke, and notably moderate-to-severe stroke, compared with antiplatelet therapy alone.