Platypnea-orthodeoxia associated with a fenestrated atrial septal aneurysm: case report.
BACKGROUND
Platypnea-orthodeoxia describes the condition of combined dyspnea and hypoxia respectively, whilst in the upright position, which improves in the recumbent position.


METHODS
We present a case of platypnea-orthodeoxia due to a fenestrated atrial septal defect associated with an atrial septal aneurysm. Due to the fenestrated nature of the atrial septal defect, surgical rather than percutaneous correction was performed.


CONCLUSIONS
A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose the syndrome of platypnea-orthodeoxia. Careful echocardiographic evaluation is required to identify the syndrome, and to determine suitability for percutaneous repair.
van Gaal
William J
WJ
Department of Cardiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxon, OX3 9DU, UK. william@vangaal.org
Joseph
Majo
M
Jones
Elizabeth
E
Matalanis
George
G
Horrigan
Mark
M
D000368:Aged; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013577:Syndrome; D014463:Ultrasonography