Cardiac Platypnea‐Orthodeoxia Syndrome: An Often Unrecognized Malady. Issue 10 (9th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Knapper, Joseph T.; Schultz, Jason; Das, Gladwin; Sperling, Laurence S.
• Is Part Of: Clinical cardiology. Volume 37:Issue 10(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 645
• Page End: 649
• Publication Date: 2014-06-09
• Subjects: Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1002/clc.22301
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-9289

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="clc22301-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p id="clc22301-para-0001">Platypnea‐orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare but clinically important form of dyspnea. The syndrome is characterized by dyspnea and arterial oxygen desaturation that occurs in the upright position and improves with recumbency. In cardiac POS, an atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale allows communication between the right‐ and left‐sided circulations. A second defect, such as a dilated aorta, prominent eustachian valve, or pneumonectomy, then contributes to right‐to‐left shunting through the interatrial connection. Diagnosis is made through pulse oximetry to confirm orthodeoxia and through transesophageal echocardiography with bubble study to visualize the shunt. Although data are limited for this rare syndrome, percutaneous closure has thus far proven safe and effective.</p> </abstract>