Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler (c-TCD) for detection of patent foramen ovale (PFO) comparing to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Methods 28 ischemic stroke patients with PFO detected with TEE were evaluated with TCD bubble study at rest and under Valsalva maneuver (VM). Results PFO was identified in 20 cases (71.43%) at rest by TCD bubble study. When VM was performed, PFO was detected in 24 cases (85.71%). There was no relevant in sensitivity of c-TCD with PFO size (P>0.05). Conclusion c-TCD is an excellent method for PFO identification with high sensibility while under VM. C-TCD can be used as a screening method for suspected PFO in patients with stroke test before TEE.

Key words: patent foramen ovale, ischemic stroke, contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler, transesophageal echocardiography