Patent foramen ovale with right to left shunt as a cause of hypoxia

WMJ. 2008 Nov;107(7):331-4.

Abstract

Patent foramen ovale with right to left shunt as a cause of hypoxia without Eisenmengers physiology or with only moderately pulmonary artery pressures is an uncommon presentation. Initial diagnosis via transesophageal echocardiography requires detection of a shunt with either color Doppler or agitated saline contrast with or without Valsalva maneuver. This rare but diagnosable case presented was simply corrected with placement of a CardioSEAL device. Causes of right to left shunt without elevated pulmonary artery pressures are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / complications*
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / diagnosis
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Implantation / instrumentation