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09:54
A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
Published on: December 22, 2016
Platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome
1Department of Medical Education, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK. julia_vasant@hotmail.com
BMJ Case Reports
|June 13, 2012
Summary
Platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome, a rare condition causing shortness of breath, was diagnosed in a patient with a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Percutaneous closure of the PFO resolved the patient's positional hypoxia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Post-operative complications can be complex and challenging to diagnose.
- Positional changes in oxygen saturation can indicate underlying cardiopulmonary issues.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old male presented with profound post-operative breathlessness and hypoxia.
- Symptoms were postural, worsening when upright and improving when supine.
- Initial treatments for pulmonary edema were ineffective.
Findings:
- Diagnostic imaging (CTPA, transthoracic echo) did not reveal the cause.
- Suspected platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome associated with a patent foramen ovale (PFO).
- Transesophageal echo and microbubble study confirmed a PFO, and percutaneous closure led to complete symptom resolution.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare conditions like platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome in unexplained post-operative hypoxia.
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of transesophageal echo and microbubble studies in diagnosing PFO.
- Emphasizes the successful treatment of positional hypoxia through percutaneous PFO closure.
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