Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
32.4K
Persistent hypoxemia after an asthma attack.
Cristian Deana1, Laura Conangla2, Luigi Vetrugno3
1Anesthesiology and Intensive Care 1, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata-Udine, P.le S.Maria Della Misericordia n. 15, 33100, Udine, Italy. deana.cristian@gmail.com.
The Ultrasound Journal
|July 31, 2019
Summary
Persistent hypoxemia after severe asthma may signal an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale (PFO). This cardiac shunt, identified via echocardiography, requires consideration in asthma patients with unexplained low oxygen levels post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Persistent hypoxemia can complicate severe asthma management.
- Intracardiac shunts, like patent foramen ovale (PFO), are rarely considered in this context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of persistent hypoxemia following severe asthma.
- To highlight patent foramen ovale as an unusual cause of hypoxemia in asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- A patient with persistent hypoxemia post-asthma treatment was investigated.
- Transthoracic microbubbles contrast echocardiography was performed to identify intracardiac shunts.
Main Results:
- A massive patent foramen ovale was diagnosed in the patient.
- The patient showed a favorable clinical course with a conservative management approach.
Conclusions:
- Patent foramen ovale should be suspected in asthma patients with persistent hypoxemia after recovery from a severe attack.
- Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing PFO in such cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Acid Attack on Concrete
712
When acids come into contact with concrete, they initiate a chemical reaction that dissolves the hydrated cement paste. This process leads to softening and structural weakening of the concrete. This issue is commonly observed in environments such as chimneys, sewers, and industrial settings. The severity of the damage increases as the pH of the water interacting with the concrete drops below 6.5. In particular, a pH under 4.5 can cause significant concrete damage.
The rate at which hydrogen...
The rate at which hydrogen...
712
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.4K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.4K
01:29Sulfate Attack on Concrete
708
Sulfate attack on concrete is a deterioration process characterized by a whitish discoloration beginning at the edges and corners, accompanied by cracking and spalling. This phenomenon occurs when sulfates react with the components of hardened concrete, forming compounds like calcium sulfate and calcium sulfoaluminate which occupy more space than the substances they replace, causing the concrete to expand and disrupt.
Sulfates from sources like soil, groundwater, or industrial effluents...
Sulfates from sources like soil, groundwater, or industrial effluents...
708
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.2K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.2K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.3K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.3K
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
3.3K
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
3.3K