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Patent foramen ovale and paradoxical systemic embolism: a bibliographic reviewA patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been reported to be an important risk factor for cardioembolic cerebrovascular accidents through paradoxical systemic embolization, and it provides one potential mechanism for the paradoxical systemic embolization of venous gas bubbles produced after altitude or hyperbaric decompressions. Here, we present in a single document a summary of the original findings and views from authors in this field. It is a comprehensive review of 145 peer-reviewed journal articles related to PFO that is intended to encourage reflection on PFO detection methods and on the possible association between PFO and stroke. There is a heightened debate on whether aviators, astronauts, and scuba divers should go through screening for PFO. Because it is a source of an important controversy, we prefer to present the findings in the format of a neutral bibliographic review independent of our own opinions. Each cited peer-reviewed article includes a short summary in which we attempt to present potential parallels with the pathophysiology of decompression bubbles. Two types of articles are summarized, as follows. First, we report the original clinical and physiological findings which focus on PFO. The consistent reporting sequence begins by describing the method of detection of PFO and goal of the study, followed by bulleted results, and finally the discussion and conclusion. Second, we summarize from review papers the issues related only to PFO. At the end of each section, an abstract with concluding remarks based on the cited articles provides guidelines.
Document ID
20040087618
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Foster, Philip P.
(Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX 77030, United States)
Boriek, Aladin M.
Butler, Bruce D.
Gernhardt, Michael L.
Bove, Alfred A.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Aviation, space, and environmental medicine
Volume: 74
Issue: 6 Pt 2
ISSN: 0095-6562
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Environmental Health
Review
Non-NASA Center
Review, Tutorial

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