Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: an uncommon case of dyspnea

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare syndrome characterized by dyspnea and arterial oxyhemoglobin desaturation induced by moving to the upright position and relieved by recumbency. Different pathogenic processes can lead to POS including cardiopulmonary and hepatopulmonary disorders. CASE PRESENTATION: We here present an unusual case of POS triggered by a previous severe SARSCoV-2 pneumonia in a 66-year-old man admitted to our Emergency Department with worsening dyspnea and chest pain. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia should be considered an emerging cause of POS because of its pulmonary and cardiac/intravascular pathological implications.

Keywords

• platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome
• sars-cov-2
• dyspnea
• interstitial lung disease
• patent foramen ovale (pfo)