Patent ductus arteriosus persistence

Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital condition present at birth. It is characterised by the presence and persistence of a duct between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. It is very common in premature infants (80% of children born before the 28th week of gestation).

Primarily shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and possible episodes of apnea, as well as a decrease in heart rate.

The electrocardiogram shows signs of left ventricular overload.
The chest X-ray shows signs of left ventricular hypertrophy, which is the principal finding, and cardiomegaly.
Echocardiography readily demonstrates the patent ductus arteriosus, measures pulmonary and aortic blood flow, and assesses the degree of arterial hypertension.

Surgical intervention is mandatory because the risk of infective endocarditis and heart failure is significant. This duct must be closed.