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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Patent ductus arteriosus
1University of Oradea, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1 Andrei Saguna Street, 415200 Beius, Romania. drcalinmos@yahoo.com
Insights
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus remains open after birth, causing blood flow issues. Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing PDA, identifying specific flow patterns to confirm the condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital heart malformation.
- Failure of the ductus arteriosus to close postnatally results in abnormal blood flow (left-to-right shunt).
- This shunt can lead to significant complications, including pulmonary hypertension.
Observation:
- A case study of a 4-year-old patient presenting with physical signs of PDA.
- The patient exhibited both systolic and diastolic left parasternal lift.
- Diagnosis was confirmed using Color Doppler echocardiography.
Findings:
- Color Doppler echocardiography is the gold standard for PDA diagnosis.
- Key diagnostic finding: identification of reversed diastolic flow in the pulmonary artery.
- Detailed echocardiographic features characteristic of this cardiac malformation were observed.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of PDA is critical for timely intervention.
- Understanding echocardiographic findings aids in managing congenital heart defects.
- This case highlights the importance of echocardiography in pediatric cardiac assessments.
Abstract:
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital disorder in heart, wherein the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth. This leads to the generation of a left-to-right shunt, leading to pulmonary hypertension. Color Doppler echocardiography is essential for the diagnosis. The identification of a diastolic flow oriented in the opposite direction in the pulmonary artery finalizes the diagnosis. We present the case of a 4 year old patient with systolic and diastolic left parasternal lift, echographically diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus. The typical echographic aspects for this cardiac malformation are thoroughly detailed.
