Exertional desaturations after COVID-19: A case for PFO closure

Echocardiography. 2022 Dec;39(12):1635-1638. doi: 10.1111/echo.15500. Epub 2022 Nov 29.

Abstract

We present a case of a woman with past medical history notable for mild COVID-19 infection who presented with dyspnea on exertion, then developed progressively worsening exertional desaturations and was found to have a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Extensive cardiopulmonary testing revealed no clear alternate etiology for her symptoms. After much discussion, she underwent successful closure of the PFO with complete resolution of her symptoms and significantly improved exertional desaturation.

Keywords: covid19; exercise intolerance; exertional desaturations; patent foramen ovale; shunt.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans