Patent ductus arteriosus in elderly patients: clinical and echocardiographic features-a case-based review

Congenital heart disease in adults is a rapidly growing field, with many operated and unoperated infants and children surviving into adulthood. Patent ductus arteriosus is an example of a congenital cardiac defect, which may enable patients to survive well into adulthood without prior recognition or correction before symptoms arise. This case illustrates the clinical and echocardiographic manifestations of patent ductus arteriosus with special emphasis on its 2-dimensional and Doppler findings. Management options for this condition are also briefly addressed.