Can J Neurol Sci
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Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present in 40% of patients with cryptogenic stroke and may be associated with paradoxical emboli to the brain. Therapeutic options include antiplatelet agents, anticoagulation, percutaneous device and surgical closure. We assessed the hypothesis that there are differences in rates of recurrent TIA or stroke between patients in the four treatment groups. ⋯ Patent foramen ovale closure was associated with fewer recurrent events. Complications of surgical and device closure were self-limited.