Question
What can promote the closure of a neonate’s fetal otic foramen?
Answer
The fetal otic foramen is a hole located in the upper part of the interatrial septum. It remains open during fetal development. Generally, within 5 to 7 months after birth, the fetal otic foramen will naturally close. If the fetal otic foramen does not close after 7 months, this is referred to as “patent foramen ovale” and is a type of congenital heart disease.