PFO has been reported in 20-34% of autopsies with a decreasing incidence in the 9th and 10th decades
Diagnosis
Trans-Esophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): identifies PFO in 12-20% of patients
Yields increased by using the Valsalva maneuver, increased PIP, and PEEP
Clinical
PEEP May Exacerbate R->L Shunting Through PFO [MEDLINE]
Treatment
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References
Positive end-expiratory pressure increases the right to-left shunt in mechanically ventilated patients with patent foramen ovale. Ann Intern Med 1993; 119:887-894 [MEDLINE]
