Percutaneous PFO closure for the prevention of recurrent brain abscess

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2006 Dec;68(6):957-60. doi: 10.1002/ccd.20869.

Abstract

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) can act as a conduit between the venous and arterial circulations, allowing right-to-left shunting and bypass of the pulmonary circulation. Brain abscess may develop as a result of paradoxical embolism of organisms through a PFO. In this small series, we report on the closure of PFO for the prevention of recurrent brain abscess. Only prospective, randomized trials comparing PFO closure to conservative therapy could provide a definitive answer as to the optimal strategy for preventing recurrent cerebral abscess.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Abscess / etiology
  • Brain Abscess / prevention & control*
  • Brain Abscess / surgery
  • Embolism, Paradoxical / complications
  • Embolism, Paradoxical / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / complications*
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Streptococcus intermedius / pathogenicity*