Turning the Tide: Unraveling Aortic Dynamics and Patent Foramen Ovale in Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare disorder characterized by positional dyspnea and hypoxemia due to right-to-left shunting, often through a patent foramen ovale (PFO). It requires both an anatomical substrate and a functional trigger.

Case summary

A man in his 70s presented with acute cerebellar stroke, breathlessness, and profound hypoxia worsened by the upright position. He tested positive for COVID-19, and computed tomography demonstrated a small pulmonary embolism, aorta dilation, and steep aortic angulation. Transthoracic echocardiography with a bubble study confirmed the presence of a PFO with right-to-left shunting during the Valsalva maneuver. Percutaneous PFO closure resulted in clinical improvement and resolution of hypoxemia.

Discussion<

SUBMITTER: Ahmed D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273849 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature