Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect where a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus, which is normally open during fetal development to bypass the lungs, fails to close after birth. This results in abnormal blood flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, which can lead to various symptoms and potential complications.

 

Symptoms

Small PDAs may not cause noticeable symptoms and often close on their own without intervention. However, large PDAs can lead to the following symptoms:

  • Heart murmur: A continuous “machinery-like” murmur may be heard by a healthcare provider during a physical examination.
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Rapid breathing or shortness of breath, especially during feeding or physical activity
  • Poor weight gain and growth in infants
  • Frequent respiratory infections

In severe cases, untreated PDA can lead to complications such as heart failure or increased risk of developing infective endocarditis (an infection of the heart lining and valves).

 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:

  • Auscultation: The healthcare provider may detect a heart murmur during a physical examination, which may raise suspicion of PDA.
  • Echocardiography (echo): This ultrasound test provides detailed images of the heart and can confirm the presence of PDA, determine its size, and assess its impact on blood flow.
  • Cardiac catheterization: In some cases, a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart to measure pressures and evaluate the severity of the condition. In some cases, the defect can be closed using a device percutaneously.
  • Advanced cardiac imaging may be recommended.

 

Treatment

The treatment of patent ductus arteriosus depends on the size of the defect, the age and overall health of the patient, and the presence of symptoms. Treatment options may include:

  • Surgical closure: For large or symptomatic PDAs, a surgical procedure called PDA ligation may be performed. During this surgery, the ductus arteriosus is tied off or clipped to close the opening.
  • Catheter-based closure: In some cases, a less invasive procedure called transcatheter PDA closure may be performed. A catheter with a device is inserted into the blood vessels to close the PDA.

 

When to consult a physician

If you are diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus you should contact our ACHD team.