Patent foramen ovale in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: Long-term risk and morbidity

Little is known about the presence of patent foramen ovale in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. While there is suspected worsening of hypoxemia confounding assessment and management of pulmonary hypertension, as well as possible increased morbidity from paradoxical emboli, there may be theoretical relief of worsening right-sided pressures by the same mechanism of right-to-left shunting.
Source: Respiratory Medicine CME - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Source Type: research