Cardiac Platypnea-Orthodeoxia

This infographic explains the mechanism behind cardiac platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS), where patients experience dyspnea and hypoxia upon standing. This condition requires both an anatomic (such as a PFO) and functional component (e.g., pulmonary hypertension). It illustrates the changes in right-to-left shunting based on body positioning (supine vs. standing) and highlights the anatomical and functional causes that may lead to a shunt regardless of position or specifically in the upright position.

Produced by: Dr. Richard Ferraro | Dr. Karan Desai

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