Patent foramen ovale

Patent foramen ovale

Definition

A persistent opening in the atrial septum after birth. While a normal part of fetal circulation, the foramen ovale should close once the newborn begins breathing and the pressure in the left atrium exceeds that of the right atrium. While a PFO is generally asymptomatic, it can lead to the passage of clots from the venous circulation into the artierial circulation, resulting in paradoxical emboli, and possible strokes.

Also known as ostium secundum type atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale, patent foramen ovale (disease) — per MONDO

Also identified as

Affected Organs

Organ Involvement Source
Cardiovascular system Disease Has Associated Anatomic Site NCIT · CC BY 4.0
Cardiovascular system Disease Has Primary Anatomic Site NCIT · CC BY 4.0
Heart Disease Has Associated Anatomic Site NCIT · CC BY 4.0
Heart Disease Has Primary Anatomic Site NCIT · CC BY 4.0
Respiratory system Disease Has Associated Anatomic Site NCIT · CC BY 4.0