Pectus Excavatum, Patent Foramen Ovale, and Migraine in the Same Patient.

BACKGROUND

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) can be found in patients with pectus excavatum (PE); PFO can be associated with migraines.

CASE SUMMARY: A 22-year-old woman presents a PE and a history of recurrent migraines. Pulsed oxygen saturation at effort decreased from 97% to 92%. A transthoracic echocardiography showed a PFO. Five years after the Ravitch procedure, pulsed oxygen saturation remained stable at effort, no PFO was shown on transthoracic echocardiography, and migraine disappeared.

DISCUSSION: Our observation is the first description of the PE, PFO, and migraine association. The correction of PE has allowed the closure of the PFO and improved migraines.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: This case report suggests that a patient presenting a PE should undergo a comprehensive cardiorespiratory evaluation. Similarly, patients with a symptomatic PFO and PE should benefit from a multidisciplinary discussion involving thoracic surgeons to determine the best approach to treat the PFO.