CPAP suppression of awake right-to-left shunting through patent foramen ovale in a patient with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Pinet, C; Orehek, J · Thorax · 2005

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

The prevalence of an echocardiographically visible patent foramen ovale (PFO) is higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) than in normal controls. We report a patient who presented with OSAS and right-to-left shunting (RLS) through the PFO in whom the RLS disappeared after treatment for 1 week with nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This case shows the role of OSA in generating an awake RLS through a PFO and its possible reversibility by CPAP. The mechanism of reversible awake RLS through PFO in OSAS is discussed.

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