Orthodeoxia and Platypnea Secondary to a Patent Foramen Ovale Despite Normal Right Sided Cardiac Pressures. Issue 2 (3rd April 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varkul, Mark; Robinson, Trevor; Ng, Elane; Hyland, Robert
• Is Part Of: Canadian respiratory journal. Volume 8:Issue 2(2001)
• Page Start: 105
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2001-04-03
• Subjects: Atrial septal defect -- Orthodeoxia -- Patent foramen; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiration -- Canada -- Periodicals; Respiration; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Canada; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1155/2001/319027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1198-2241

Abstract

Abstract : Numerous cases of orthodeoxia and platypnea have been reported. Some have been found to be due to intracardiac shunts despite normal intracardiac pressures. In the case presented, a 79-year-old woman was noted to have orthodeoxia and platypnea secondary to a patent foramen ovale (PFO) despite normal intracardiac pressures. She recovered after closure of the PFO. The authors postulate that recent vertebral fractures and subsequent kyphosis, as well as a dilated thoracic aorta, altered intrathoracic relationships and may have led to a stream of venous return being directed across the PFO in the upright position, despite normal intracardiac pressures.