Characteristics of Patent Foramen Ovale: Analysis from a Single Center

OBJECTIVE: To collect and analyze data of patent foramen ovale (PFO). METHODS: This study included a total of 260 patients diagnosed with PFO. We analyzed basic clinical data such as sex, age, transesophageal echocardiography as well as other symptoms. RESULTS: Our data showed that females accounted for the highest proportion of PFO (166 females, 64%), with the highest number of patients (65 patients) having between 45 and 55 years. Transesophageal echocardiography examination demonstrated frequent occurrence of tunnel-like anatomical structures. In addition, PFO was associated with symptoms such as migraine, stroke or TIA, syncope, chest tightness, and palpitations, with dizziness being the most common symptom in the patients with PFO. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that females accounted for the highest proportion of PFO patients, with those aged between 45 and 55 years being most affected. The most frequently encountered clinical symptom was dizziness. Taken together, these findings may help doctors to better understand and screen for PFO patients.