PFO

Medical abbreviation · Cardiology

PFO
Stands forPatent foramen ovale
CategoriesMedical

PFO stands for Patent foramen ovale, a cardiology abbreviation.

Small, flap-like opening between the atria that persists after birth in about 25 percent of adults, left over from the fetal circulation. It is usually harmless but can let clots cross from the venous side to the brain, causing a paradoxical embolic stroke.

Example: Bubble study positive for PFO with a large shunt in a 42-year-old with cryptogenic stroke; closure discussed.

Usage notes

Trials published in 2017 (CLOSE, REDUCE and the long-term RESPECT results) showed that device closure reduces recurrent stroke in selected patients under 60 with otherwise unexplained stroke. The RoPE score estimates how likely a PFO is to be responsible. PFO has also been linked to decompression illness in divers and to migraine with aura, though closure for migraine remains unproven.

More cardiology abbreviations

  • PAD – Peripheral artery disease
  • PAF – Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
  • PCI – Percutaneous coronary intervention
  • PCWP – Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
  • PDA – Patent ductus arteriosus
  • PEA – Pulseless electrical activity
  • PMI – Point of maximal impulse
  • POBA – Plain old balloon angioplasty
  • POTS – Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
  • PPM – Permanent pacemaker
  • PS – Pulmonic stenosis
  • PSVT – Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.