patent ductus arteriosus
Also written as: PDA — patent ductus arteriosus
A congenital heart condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, causing abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.
Full Definition
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect characterized by the persistence of the fetal connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery after birth. During fetal development, the ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the lungs; it normally closes within the first few days of life as oxygen levels rise and prostaglandin E2 levels fall. When the ductus remains open, it creates a left-to-right shunt, potentially leading to pulmonary overcirculation, left heart volume overload, and in severe cases, pulmonary hypertension. PDA is particularly common in premature infants and may be asymptomatic or present with signs of congestive heart failure. Treatment options include medical management with NSAIDs, surgical ligation, or transcatheter device closure.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other ductal-dependent congenital heart lesions; specify hemodynamic significance in documentation.
In Context
- "Echocardiography confirmed a moderate patent ductus arteriosus with left-to-right shunting and mild left atrial enlargement." — Pediatric cardiology consultation
- "Medical management of patent ductus arteriosus with indomethacin was unsuccessful, prompting surgical ligation." — Pediatric cardiothoracic surgery note