Patent foramen ovale

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Heart, section through the middle

PFO

Infants with a patent foramen ovale and no other heart defects do not have symptoms.

An echocardiogram can be done to diagnose a PFO. If the PFO is not easily seen, a cardiologist can perform a "bubble test." Saline solution (salt water) is injected into the body. If a PFO exists, air bubbles will occur from the right to left side of the heart.

Review Date: 06/27/2006
Reviewed By: Anne J. L. Chun, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.