Cardiology - Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Persistent connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery
Normal in utero but usually closes within first 10-15 minutes of life
Left to right shunt

Question 2

Risk factors

Answer 2

Female
Prematurity
Maternal Rubella

Question 3

Signs and symptoms

Answer 3

SIGNS
Respiratory distress
Apnoea
Tachypnoea
Tachycardia
Continuous machinery murmur at the left sternal edge

SYMPTOMS
Shortness of breath
Difficulty feeding
Poor weight gain
Lower respiratory tract infections

Question 4

Diagnosis

Answer 4

Echo
ECG/CXR

Question 5

Management

Answer 5

Cardiac Catheterisation to close around 1 year old or sooner in more severe cases
Premature infants: Indomethacin or ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandins and stimulates closure