/patent foramen ovale

patent foramen ovale

Rare Disease

MONDO:0020439

Also Known As

atrial septal defect within oval fossadefect, patent or persistent, ostium secundumforamen ovale patentostium secundum type atrial septal defectpatent foramen ovalepatent foramen ovale (disease)persistent ostium secundum

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.