Kyra Becker1, Elaine Skalabrin, Danial Hallam, Edward Gill. 1. Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA. kjb@u.washington.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The association between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and stroke risk in young adults is controversial and poorly understood. Paradoxical embolization through a PFO represents a possible mechanism by which PFO might predispose to stroke. OBJECTIVE: To describe 4 patients with PFO who experienced the onset of ischemic stroke during sexual intercourse. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral stroke clinic. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients experiencing stroke during intercourse. RESULTS: All 4 patients were found to have PFO. Despite a thorough evaluation, no other etiology for stroke was identified. CONCLUSION: We suggest that paradoxical embolization through a PFO due to elevated intrathoracic pressure during sexual activity could be a potential mechanism for stroke in these patients.
BACKGROUND: The association between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and stroke risk in young adults is controversial and poorly understood. Paradoxical embolization through a PFO represents a possible mechanism by which PFO might predispose to stroke. OBJECTIVE: To describe 4 patients with PFO who experienced the onset of ischemic stroke during sexual intercourse. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral stroke clinic. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients experiencing stroke during intercourse. RESULTS: All 4 patients were found to have PFO. Despite a thorough evaluation, no other etiology for stroke was identified. CONCLUSION: We suggest that paradoxical embolization through a PFO due to elevated intrathoracic pressure during sexual activity could be a potential mechanism for stroke in these patients.
Authors: Carmen A Pfortmueller; Adrian C Schankath; Pasquale Mordasini; Jana Koetter; Roland Wiest; Aristomenis K Exadaktylos; Stefan Puig Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-08-05 Impact factor: 3.240