Abstract
We report rare case of an octogenarian who, after years of diagnostic delay, was found to have a patent foramen ovale, and due to an ascending aortic aneurysm that anatomically facilitated right-to-left shunt, presenting with life-threatening cyanotic attacks. The characteristic orthodeoxia-platypnea syndrome and high alveolar arterial gradient hint to the diagnosis. She was eventually treated successfully with urgent percutaneous PFO closure. Routine ordering of a transthoracic echocardiogram, without agitated saline injection under provocation maneuvers, may not be sufficient to rule out shunts.
Recommended Citation
Chin Tong Kwok, Chun Kit Wong, Recurrent cyanotic spells in an octogenarian Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology 2023;29(5) https://doi.org/10.55503/2790-6744.1495
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