Severe Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2: A Novel Cause of Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome
  • José Pedro Abreu Fernandes
    Serviço de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3616-9417
  • João Santos Faria
    Serviço de Medicina Física e Reabilitação, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
  • Andreia Fernandes
    Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil, Coimbra, Portugal
  • Ana Rita Ramalho
    Serviço de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
  • Adriana Girão
    Serviço de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
  • Maja Petrova
    Serviço de Medicina Interna, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal

Keywords

Platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome, COVID-19, severe pneumonia, rehabilitation

Abstract

Platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a condition characterized by dyspnoea and hypoxaemia while sitting or standing, which improves during decubitus. It is usually caused by intracardiac right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale but may also occur due to pulmonary ventilation-perfusion mismatch of other aetiologies. A new cause of POS was recently described: SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. We report the case of a 62-year-old man admitted for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with respiratory failure. Chest computed tomography angiography showed pulmonary thromboembolism and parenchymal lung changes compatible with COVID-19. He had worsening dyspnoea in a sitting position, relieved by assuming the dorsal position. He was diagnosed with POS after other causes were excluded. POS is an underdiagnosed complication of COVID-19 and is manageable with respiratory rehabilitation.

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    Published: 2022-08-19
    Issue: 2022: Vol 9 No 8 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Abreu Fernandes JP, Santos Faria J, Fernandes A, Ramalho AR, Girão A, Petrova M. Severe Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2: A Novel Cause of Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome. EJCRIM 2022;9 doi:10.12890/2022_003385.