Hypoxemia in the setting of right to left shunting through patent foramen ovale without pulmonary hypertension.

Patent foramen ovale is often seen in the population but rarely observed with right to left shunting in the absence of pulmonary hypertension. Our report describes such a case where a patient with progressive shortness of breath had resolution of symptoms upon percutaneous closure. A discussion of the case and relation to similar cases is presented. A literature review along with explanation of possible contributing mechanisms in our patient's situation is explained. We also discuss several implications for practice and suggest that percutaneous closure is effective in our case and in similar situations.