patent ductus arteriosus
Pronunciation: PAY-tent DUK-tus ar-teer-ee-OH-sus
A congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, allowing blood to flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.
Full Definition
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital heart defect, particularly in premature infants, where the ductus arteriosus (a blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery during fetal development) remains open after birth instead of closing naturally. This creates a left-to-right shunt that can lead to increased workload on the heart and lungs. Symptoms may include difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, and respiratory distress. Treatment options include medication (indomethacin or ibuprofen), surgical ligation, or transcatheter device closure.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as PDA; specify whether hemodynamically significant or insignificant in documentation.
In Context
- "Echocardiography confirmed a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus requiring treatment." — Cardiology consultation
- "The premature infant received indomethacin therapy to promote closure of the patent ductus arteriosus." — Treatment record