Transcutaneous PO2 recording using two sensors in a neonate with preductal coarctation of the aorta

Simultaneous transcutaneous PO2 (PtcO2) recordings, done on a neonate having preductal coarctation of the aorta, showed markedly lower PtcO2 values in the lower abdominal quadrant (representing postductal blood) than in the subclavicular area (representing preductal blood). Two-sensor PtcO2 recordings are valuable in documenting pathologic ductal shunts commonly associated with disturbed transitional circulation or cardiac malformation in newborn infants.