Patent foramen ovale pathophysiology
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Patent Foramen Ovale Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Patent foramen ovale pathophysiology On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [3]
Overview
A patent foramen ovale or PFO is not considered an atrial septal defect because there is not a permanent hole or defect in interatrial septum. Instead there is a flap-like structure that periodically opens allows blood to shunt between the two atria. As a result, it is also sometimes called as a probe patent (PFO). This flap-like structure and function as a one-way valve mechanism that only opens to allow blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium during times where there is an increase flow or pressure in the right atrium. Elevation of pressure in the pulmonary circulatory system (i.e.: pulmonary hypertension due to various causes, or transiently during a cough or valsalva maneuver) can cause the foramen ovale to open. Him
Embryology
During gestation, adding a patent foramen ovale is critical as it allows for right-to-left shunting.