The specialist uses this simple diagnostic test to assess the passage of blood (shunt) between the heart chambers and thus the possible presence of "abnormal communication" between the right and left sides of the heart.
This examination is specifically used to determine the presence or absence of the foramen ovale (PFO) at the cardiac level, which is potentially responsible for a whole range of neurological disorders ranging from cryptogenic juvenile stroke, migraine infarction, vertigo syndromes, and transient global amnesias. In individuals with a pervious foramen ovale, the hole that in the fetal period allows the passage of blood between the right and left atrium of the heart, has not closed as it normally does. It may therefore happen that small blood clots or air bubbles, pass through the foramen ovale without passing through the pulmonary circulation and arrive in the cerebral circulation causing the consequences just described.
It is a simple to perform and short duration ultrasound method that consists of an echocolordoppler evaluation of intracranial vessels during a peripheral vein microinfusion of physiologic mixed with a small amount of air and blood from the patient.
The procedure is performed at rest and, where possible, under stress (Valsalva Maneuver), requires no special preparations, and immediately after the examination is performed, one can return to normal daily activity. The outcome is immediate and can give important diagnostic and therapeutic information to the specialist in order to deal more comprehensively with the problem accused by the patient.
In Life Clinic the specialist who performs this important examination is Dr. Impellizzeri, for more information we invite you to consult the page of the website dedicated to the specialist or contact the secretary.
