How to do echo for patent foramen ovale: Pre, Intra and Postprocedure: A Consensus Statement of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging.

Abstract

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital heart anomaly potentially responsible of paradoxical embolism, enhancing the risk of stroke, especially in young adults. Contrast-enhanced (c-) echocardiography associated with c-transcranial doppler is the method of choice for PFO diagnosis. Transesophageal echocardiography plays a pivotal role for PFO's anatomical characterization; besides, it serves for guidance during percutaneous closure. A multimodality imaging approach is advised for evaluating residual shunt after percutaneous procedures.