Bubble-test for detection of a patent foramen ovale in young to middle-aged ischemic stroke patients - Takeaways - MDSpire

Bubble-test for detection of a patent foramen ovale in young to middle-aged ischemic stroke patients

  • By

  • Anna Bogdanova

  • Lena Mers

  • Alexander Sekita

  • Laura Besendorf

  • Ludwig Singer

  • Tobias Engelhorn

  • Caroline Merkel

  • Kosmas Macha

  • Arnd Doerfler

  • Stefan Schwab

  • Stefan T. Gerner

  • May 11, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

  • 1

    The transcranial Doppler bubble test (TCD-bubble) effectively identifies patent foramen ovale (PFO) in younger adults with acute ischemic stroke.

  • 2

    In a study of 120 patients, TCD-bubble showed a sensitivity of 97.1% and specificity of 71.2% for detecting PFO compared to transesophageal echocardiography.

  • 3

    A threshold of ≥3 bubbles during TCD-bubble testing increased sensitivity to 91.4% and specificity to 88.5% for PFO identification.

  • 4

    The TCD-bubble test is a non-invasive screening method that may eliminate the need for invasive assessments if results are negative.

  • 5

    Among patients with right-to-left shunt, PFO was confirmed in 69.4% of cases, highlighting the test's positive predictive value.

Original Source(s)

Bubble-test for detection of a patent foramen ovale in young to middle-aged ischemic stroke patients

  • by Anna Bogdanova, Lena Mers, Alexander Sekita, Laura Besendorf, Ludwig Singer, Tobias Engelhorn, Caroline Merkel, Kosmas Macha, Arnd Doerfler, Stefan Schwab, Stefan T. Gerner

  • May 11, 2026

Related Content

Association between uric acid to lymphocyte ratio and poor functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients

Endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and prestroke mRS 3: a multicenter IPTW analysis focused on functional preservation

Outcomes after using cerebral embolic protection devices during transcatheter aortic valve replacement: an updated meta-analysis