Patent ductus arteriosus in old age

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Patient ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect typically diagnosed in infancy.
• PDA can lead to significant cardiovascular complications if left untreated.
• Long-term survival into advanced age with uncorrected PDA is uncommon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an unusual case of a patient with patient ductus arteriosus (PDA) surviving to the age of 78.
• To discuss the clinical course and autopsy findings in a rare case of advanced-age PDA.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 78-year-old male patient.
• Review of patient's medical history, including lifelong diagnosis of PDA.
• Autopsy findings to confirm the condition of the patent ductus arteriosus.

Main Results:

• The patient had a known patient ductus arteriosus (PDA) since age 30.
• The PDA remained well-compensated until shortly before death at age 78.
• Death was attributed to arteriosclerotic heart disease following myocardial infarction; autopsy showed a smooth PDA without perforation.

Conclusions:

• Survival to advanced age with patient ductus arteriosus (PDA) is exceptionally rare.
• This case underscores the potential for long-term compensation in some PDA patients.
• The findings contribute to understanding the natural history of adult congenital heart disease.