Persistent hypoxemia after an asthma attack
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Deana, Cristian; Conangla, Laura; Vetrugno, Luigi; Saltarini, Massimiliano; Buttera, Stefania; Bove, Tiziana; Bassi, Flavio; Monte, Amato
- Source
- Critical Ultrasound Journal; December 2019, Vol. 11 Issue: 1 p1-3, 3p
- Subject
- Language
- ISSN
- 20363176; 20367902
The presence of an unknown intracardiac shunt due to a patent foramen ovale may be an unusual cause of hypoxemia. We report the case of a patient who presented persistent hypoxemia after an adequate treatment for a severe asthma attack requiring intensive care unit admission. The patient underwent a transthoracic microbubbles contrast echocardiography that showed a massive patent foramen ovale. The favorable clinical course and the absence of major signs and symptoms related to patent foramen ovale allowed a conservative approach with a follow-up program. Patent foramen ovale should be suspected in case of persistent hypoxemia after a severe asthma attack had resolved.