WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
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Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is a rare clinical syndrome defined by worsening deoxygenation and dyspnea when changing to an upright sitting or standing position. It is seen in 3 different clinical scenarios: intracardiac shunts, pulmonary arteriovenous shunts, and ventilation/perfusion mismatch in the lungs. ⋯ Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is a clinical condition that is being recognized more frequently due to more accurate diagnosis, and its treatment can alleviate symptomatic hypoxemia.