patent ductus arteriosus
A congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, causing abnormal blood flow.
Full Definition
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects, occurring when the ductus arteriosus—a normal fetal blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta—fails to close after birth. In fetal circulation, this vessel allows blood to bypass the lungs, but it should typically close within the first few days of life. When patent, it creates a left-to-right shunt, potentially leading to increased pulmonary blood flow, left heart volume overload, and eventually pulmonary hypertension if left untreated. PDA is particularly common in premature infants and those born at high altitude. Treatment options include pharmacological closure with indomethacin or surgical ligation.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid confusion with other septal defects in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Echocardiography confirmed a large patent ductus arteriosus with significant left-to-right shunt." — Cardiology report
- "The premature infant underwent surgical ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus at 28 days of age." — Operative note