Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome: a diagnostic challenge

South Med J. 2009 Oct;102(10):1046-8. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e3181b35f0f.

Abstract

Platypnea-orthodeoxia (P-O) syndrome is an underdiagnosed condition characterized by dyspnea and deoxygenation accompanying a change from a recumbent to an upright position. It is caused by increased right-to-left shunting of blood on assuming an upright position. The diagnosis of this shunt is often challenging. A case where a diagnosis was missed despite performing a tilt transesophageal echocardiogram with bubble study and a technetium labeled macroaggregated albumin scan is presented. However, a large patent foramen ovale (PFO) was found on autopsy. A brief overview of the diagnostic workup and management of this condition along with methods to increase the sensitivity of diagnostic tests is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dyspnea / etiology*
  • Echocardiography
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oximetry
  • Oxygen / administration & dosage
  • Oxygen / blood*
  • Posture*
  • Serum Albumin, Radio-Iodinated
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Serum Albumin, Radio-Iodinated
  • Oxygen