Atrial septal defect closure in a young patient presenting with recurrent cryptogenic stroke: a case report

BACKGROUND: Having an inter-atrial shunt in the form of a patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect increases the risk of developing cryptogenic stroke. Prompt action is required in order to prevent stroke recurrence. The source of embolization may not be clear on stroke workup. CASE PRESENTATION: A young female acutely presented with recurrent embolizations to the eye and brain. She was found to have an atrial septal defect. No clear intra-cardiac source of embolization was detected on workup including trans-esophageal echocardiography. Given the options between surgical versus device closure, the attending team opted for the surgical closure which yielded on direct left heart inspection small organized clots adherent to the tips of the mitral valve leaflets. CONCLUSIONS: The case report illustrates the potential advantages of the direct surgical closure in detecting and extracting the embolization source in patients who present with recurrent cryptogenic stroke.