Severe hypoxia from right to left shunt through a PFO in a patient with a saddle pulmonary embsolism

What is it about?

This is a case report of a patient with a saddle pulmonary embolism with severe hypoxia from a patent foramen ovale, and a physiological explanation of the pathophysiology of hypoxia in pulmonary embolism with intracardiac shunt. In addition, we explain the way interatrial communications actually improve hemodynamics in patients with severe elevations in pulmonary vascular resistance, using the analogous data of balloon atrial septostomy in patient with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This case is important because it demonstrates two important physiological concepts: 1) the mechanisms of hypoxia in pulmonary embolism and 2) the hemodynamic effects of right to left shunt.