In this episode, we review patent foramen ovale (PFO), including its types, physiology, presentation, and when to intervene. How does a PFO differ from an atrial septal defect (ASD), and why does PFO not cause the right heart enlargement and pulmonary hypertension seen in ASD? What is platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome? What can cause platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome other than PFO? What features on brain MRI suggest that the etiology of an ischemic stroke is cardioembolic? What features on echocardiography distinguish between PFOs and ASDs? How can PFOs contribute to cryptogenic stroke, and what high-risk features indicate the need for closure? Tune in for answers to these questions.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

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