Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome in a patient with a pre-existing patent foramen ovale successfully treated with an atrial septal occluder

J Geriatr Cardiol. 2015 May;12(3):323-5. doi: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2015.03.005.

Abstract

Platypnea orthodeoxia syndrome is associated with dyspnea and arterial oxygen desaturation accentuated by an upright posture. It can be secondary to an intracardiac shunt. We report a case of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) in a 58-year old male patient who had a pre-existing patent foramen ovale (PFO) and substantial pulmonary pathologies. He was successfully treated by percutaneous transcatheter closure of the PFO. Our case highlights the importance of recognition of this rare syndrome in patients who present with unexplained hypoxia for whom transcatheter closure of the interatrial shunt can be safely carried out.

Keywords: Intracardiac shunt; Patent foramen ovale; Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome; Transcatheter closure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports