Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome: a rare complication after right pneumonectomy

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Dec;88(6):2018-9. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2009.01.047.

Abstract

Platypnea is characterized by breathlessness in the upright position. Orthodeoxia is defined by arterial desaturation on standing. Herein we describe a case of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome in a patient who underwent a right pneumonectomy for adenocarcinoma of the lung. Closure of a patent foramen ovale, causing a right-to-left shunt, with an Amplatzer device, produced immediate symptomatic relief.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / instrumentation
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / diagnosis
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / etiology*
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonectomy / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Syndrome