Platypnoea Orthodeoxia Syndrome and Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: Single-Centre Experience and Long-Term Follow-Up

Platypnoea orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is an uncommon condition characterised by dyspnoea and arterial desaturation induced by an upright position and relieved in the supine position, usually due to a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Percutaneous closure of a PFO is the preferred treatment to cure POS. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and gasometrical characteristics and to describe the long-term outcomes of percutaneous PFO closure in a group of patients with POS.Patients with POS and a PFO treated by percutaneous intervention from 2010-2020 were reviewed. The primary efficacy outcome was the arterial oxygen pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaOOf 168 patients undergoing PFO or atrial septal defect closure, 14 had POS (8.3%). Percutaneous PFO closure was successfully performed in all patients with a single device. Twelve of 14 patients had total clinical success (86%) and one patient had partial success. The PaOThe PFO percutaneous closure was a successful, durable and safe method for patients presenting with POS; it achieved major improvements in both gasometrical parameters and quality of life.