Closing the gap: Between patent foramen ovale and ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke remains the leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Although its incidence increases with age, approximately 10–15% of all ischemic strokes occur in individuals between 18 and 50 years of age. Because these young adults are often in the prime of their lives—actively working, forming families, and pursuing personal development—the impact of an ischemic stroke can be particularly profound, with substantial socioeconomic consequences. Preventing recurrent stroke critically depends on accurately identifying the underlying etiology, as different causes require different therapeutic approaches.

The studies presented in this dissertation include several analyses derived from the ODYSSEY study and the MR CLEAN Registry, as well as data collected from patients discussed in the Heart–Stroke Team (HST) at Radboud University Medical Center.