Patent ductus arteriosus (neonatal premature or adult incidental)
Recommended: Echocardiogram (TTE) is the preferred imaging study for patent ductus arteriosus (neonatal premature or adult incidental). Premature neonates: hemodynamically significant PDA can cause heart failure / pulmonary hemorrhage.
Recommended study
Echocardiogram (TTE)
Premature neonates: hemodynamically significant PDA can cause heart failure / pulmonary hemorrhage. Adults: continuous murmur, often incidental.
If the default doesn't apply
Device closure planning (adult)
CT
Cardiac CTA + IR / cath
IV contrast
Watch-outs
Pulmonary vascular disease
Untreated PDA can cause Eisenmenger physiology — irreversible pulmonary hypertension.
Pearls
- Continuous 'machinery' murmur classic.
- Premature neonates: indomethacin / ibuprofen for closure; surgical ligation if medical failure.
- Adult PDA: percutaneous device closure standard.