Patent Foramen Ovale–Induced Hypoxemia Unmasked During Pregnancy

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common finding that occurs in approximately 25% of the population and, in the absence of clinical sequelae, is considered benign. However, PFO can potentially become clinically significant and result in systemic embolization, strokes, or hypoxemia. During pregnancy, hemodynamic cardiovascular changes may unmask previously undetected congenital heart anomalies or exacerbate existing ones, affecting both mother and fetus.