Cardiology
Every heartbeat tells a story, and cardiologists listen carefully to diagnose, treat, and protect the rhythm of life.
A 29-year-old teacher was sent to me after her ophthalmologist grew suspicious about her visual auras—transient black spots with shimmering zigzags.
She described them as “migraine auras,” but they lasted seconds and always preceded brief confusion.
Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and bubble contrast showed right-to-left shunting. She had experienced transient ischemic attacks, not migraines.
We closed the PFO. Her “auras” disappeared completely.
The Lesson Learned
Visual disturbances aren’t always neurological or ophthalmic. They can be mini-strokes. Maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in young women with odd symptoms.
