Prognosis

The risk is increased following an ischaemic stroke with a patent foramen ovale and an atrial septal aneurysm. ^a

Why?

• 12% of patients with a combination of a patent foramen ovale and an atrial septal aneurysm have a recurrent stroke within a mean of 3 years (95% CI: 2.9% to 21%).(Hazard ratio for recurrent stroke: 4.17; 95% CI: 1.47 to 11.8). ^a
• A patent foramen ovale or an atrial septal aneurysm alone does not clearly increase the risk of recurrent stroke. ^a