Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Versus Medical Therapy for Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke

M anaging young and middle-aged patients with cryp- togenic ischemic stroke and a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common clinical dilemma for neurologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians. 2] Lacking randomized trial data, choosing among these options was long a quandary for physicians. But major new trial results in 2017 to 2018, 6-9 added to earlier trials reported in 2012 to 2013, This topical review appraises and synthesizes the accumulated trial findings and considers how they may best inform physician and patient treatment decision-making.