Impact of implementing a protocol of respiratory care measures and optimization of mechanical ventilation in potential lung donors.

Objective: To describe the results from the implementation of a respiratory care and mechanical ventilation protocol on potential lung donors who met the conditions for procurement. The secondary objective is to compare the results with historical data.

Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study.

[Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, atrial septal aneurysm and right hemidiaphragmatic elevation with a right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale].

Platypnea-orthodeoxia is an uncommon syndrome of dyspnea and hypoxemia induced by upright position, which is subsequently relieved by recumbency. The case reported involved a 75-year-old man with a seven days history of dyspnea in the upright position. The chest radiograph and CT scan demonstrated an elevated right hemidiaphragm.