Patent foramen ovale is an Incomplete closure of the interatrial septum at birth
Shunt-like contrast column from left atrium to right atrium, between septum primum and septum secondum
Left-to-right shunt
Potential cause of cryptogenic stroke and paradoxical emboli
– Valsalva maneuver could make it to flow opposite way
25% of population, decreases in older age
Diagnosis
– Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with agitated saline injection and Valsalva maneuver ; Reference standard
The dark membrane at left atrial side is the septum primum
Septum secondum and foramen ovale – RA side
