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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
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Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale PFO: An Intervention Sequence
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New Right-To-Left Shunt Through a Patent Foramen Ovale Following Abdominal Surgery.
Jack Franke1, Christopher Koo2, John D Serfas3
1University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City Kansas USA.
Clinical Case Reports
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Early diagnosis of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome requires considering right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale. Prompt identification is crucial for effective patient management and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare condition characterized by dyspnea and hypoxemia that worsens in an upright position.
- POS can be associated with various underlying cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
- A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a potential cause of right-to-left shunting contributing to POS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical role of early consideration of right-to-left shunting via a patent foramen ovale in the diagnosis and management of new-onset platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome.
Main Methods:
- This abstract discusses the clinical presentation and diagnostic considerations for POS.
- It highlights the importance of echocardiography or other imaging modalities to detect intracardiac shunting.
- Management strategies are briefly touched upon, emphasizing the need for timely intervention.
Main Results:
- Early identification of a patent foramen ovale as a cause of right-to-left shunting is essential for POS.
- Failure to consider PFO can lead to delayed diagnosis and suboptimal management of POS.
Conclusions:
- In patients presenting with new-onset platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, a patent foramen ovale should be strongly suspected as a cause of right-to-left shunting.
- Prompt diagnostic evaluation and consideration of PFO closure are critical for effective management of POS.
