Ischemic stroke in young adults with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and/or atrial septal aneurysm is underinvestigated.
Methods: We investigated 86 such patients (age 16-49 years) with long-term follow-up.
Results: Most patients recovered well, one died and 15 retired prematurely due to the index stroke. Seven patients underwent PFO closure. Few stroke recurrences occurred (4%) either on aspirin or warfarin during the 6.5 years of follow-up.
Conclusions: Our data suggest good outcome, low morbidity, and low recurrence. Finding the best secondary prevention measures requires randomized trials
