The Canadian journal of cardiology
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Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is found in up to 50% of patients less than 55 years of age who have had a stroke. Therapeutic options include no therapy, antiplatelet therapy, warfarin and surgical closure of the PFO. ⋯ Patients with PFO had a significantly higher rate of recurrent cerebral ischemic events than those without PFO. Surgical PFO closure prevented any recurrences during a mean follow-up of 43 months. Warfarin was better than antiplatelet therapy or no therapy in preventing recurrences.