patent ductus arteriosus
Failure of the fetal ductus arteriosus to close after birth, creating abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.
Full Definition
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a normal fetal structure connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta, fails to close after birth. This results in left-to-right shunting of blood, increasing pulmonary blood flow and left heart volume overload. PDA is particularly common in premature infants and can lead to congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and failure to thrive. Treatment options include pharmacological closure with indomethacin or ibuprofen, or surgical ligation for refractory cases. The clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic murmur to severe heart failure.
Usage
Usage note: PDA acceptable after first use. Specify size (small, moderate, large) and hemodynamic significance when known.
In Context
- "Echocardiography confirmed a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus with left atrial enlargement." — Cardiology consultation
- "The premature infant received indomethacin for pharmacological closure of the PDA." — NICU medication administration record