Orthodeoxia--an uncommon presentation following bilateral thoracic sympathectomy.
We present a case of orthodeoxia (postural hypoxaemia) which resulted from a combination of lung collapse/consolidation and blunted hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction due to partial interruption of the sympathetic nerve supply to the lung by bilateral thoracic sympathectomy.
van Heerden
P V
PV
Departments of Intensive Care and Vascular Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Pharmacology Unit, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia.
Cameron
P D
PD
Karanovic
A
A
Goodman
M A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D015765:Almitrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000601:surgery; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D019141:Respiratory System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013562:Sympathectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D013900:Thoracic Nerves / Q000601:surgery*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D019141:Respiratory System Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D015765:Almitrine; D009638:Norepinephrine