Accuracy of color Doppler transesophageal echocardiography for diagnosis of patent foramen ovale.

This study assessed the sensitivity of color Doppler as compared with contrast study during transesophageal echocardiography for detection of a patent foramen ovale. We also evaluated the incidence of patent foramen ovale in younger (less than age 50, group 1) as compared with older (greater than age 50, group 2) patients. A total of 114 patients were studied. A patent foramen ovale was found in 17 patients: 7 of 39 (17.9%) in group 1 and 10 of 75 (13.3%) in group 2 (NS). The sensitivity of color Doppler as compared with contrast study was 33%. Our data suggest that color Doppler is a poor method of assessment for the presence of a patent foramen ovale and that patent foramen ovale remains prevalent in older as well as younger patients.