Platypnea-orthodeoxia associated with a fenestrated atrial septal aneurysm: Case Report

William J van Gaal Dr¹ , Majo Joseph Dr² , Elizabeth Jones Dr² , George Matalanis Dr² and Mark Horrigan Dr²

¹Department of Cardiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxon, OX3 9DU, UK

²Department of Cardiology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia

author email corresponding author email

Cardiovascular Ultrasound 2005, 3:28doi:10.1186/1476-7120-3-28


Published:	13 September 2005

Abstract

Background

Platypnea-orthodeoxia describes the condition of combined dyspnea and hypoxia respectively, whilst in the upright position, which improves in the recumbent position.

Case Report

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.

Conclusion

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.