Obstructive sleep apnoea and patent foramen ovale: successful treatment of symptoms by percutaneous foramen ovale closure

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder often associated with cardiovascular problems. The role of right to left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in OSA is still debated. We report the case of a 42-year-old man with OSA, treated by nocturnal continuous airway pressure, who had a PFO and severe dispnoea and desaturation at exercise. Percutaneous closure of PFO leads to immediate and complete resolution of symptoms. Our report shows for the first time that patients with OSA, PFO, and desaturation at exercise should be considered candidates to PFO closure, even in the absence of cerebral events.