Patent foramen ovale pathophysiology

Patent Foramen Ovale Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

If there are elevated right sided pressures, shunting of blood from the right atrium to the left atrium can occur. The patent foramen ovale is completely covered but not completely sealed. As a result, it is also sometimes called as a probe patent (PFO) (as the foramen can be opened with reversal of shunt). Elevation of pressure in the pulmonary circulatory system (i.e.: pulmonary hypertension due to various causes, or transiently during a cough) can cause the foramen ovale to remain open.