Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome after percutaneous treatment of ruptured sinus Valsalva complicated by SARS-Cov-2 pneumonia: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Rupture of sinus of Valsalva (RSV) to right atrium (RA) causes significant left to right shunt, tricuspid regurgitation, and right ventricular failure. If left uncorrected it can lead to biventricular heart failure. Hence, early invasive management is advised. To date, there is no report about platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) after device closure of ruptured sinus of Valsalva. Case summary A 50-year-old woman with dyspnoea of exertion and rupture of sinus valsalva to right atrium was referred to our hospital. On admission, chest computed tomography (CT) was normal. After closure of the rupture, she developed orthostatic hypoxemia and frequent cough. A repeat chest CT was suggestive of COVID-19 infection which most probably occurred during the hospitalization. Although COVID-19 was thought to be the only culprit, her symptoms were not solely justified by COVID-19. Transthoracic echocardiography showed patent foramen ovale (PFO) with significant shunt. PFO device closure was performed under intracardiac echocardiography guidance. Discussion Interatrial septum deformation may happen after RSV correction and right to left shunt from PFO may become more significant. POS is an important indication for PFO closure which should be noticed by careful examination. As COVID-19 is the most frequent pathology these days, it may delay other probable diagnosis, and hence detailed history taking and physical examination is mandatory.