A Cadaveric Case Report on Patent Foramen Ovale

Abstract

Patent foramen ovale is one of the common forms of atrial septal defect rarely observed in the elderly people. Foramen ovale is a slit like opening in the atrial septum at the site of foramen secundum of the septum primum.  Knowledge of persistent patent foramen ovale is particularly significant for its relationship with many congenital & other valvular heart disorders. In the present study 8 human hearts were collected and dissected from adult cadavers, in the Department of Rachana Shareera at JSS Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka State, India. Out of 8 specimens only 1 was shown to be having patent foramen ovale. To determine the value of early detection of patent foramen ovale in preventing cryptogenic stroke or relative ischaemic conditions in the general population, more research is required.