Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a functioning connection between the pulmonary artery and the beginning of the descending aorta. This is one of the acyanotic heart defects that includes the Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Atrial Septal Defect ( ASD), pulmonary valve stenosis, aortic valve stenosis and the coarctation of the aorta.
PDA is the most ancient and the most important of the congenital heart diseases. It ranks second in incidence and about 15% of infants have PDA. PDA is more common in females. Familial incidence is well established. It is associated with anoxia at birth and with the Rubella syndrome.
Clinically, majority of patients are without symptoms except for those with large shunts. Patients may show the following:
– weight more than height is affected
– frequent respiratory infections
– easy fatigability
– exertional dyspnea
It is important that these patients be evaluated by the cardiologist for thorough evaluation and management.
If uncorrected, it may lead to congestive heart failure and a disease of the right side of the heart (called Cor pulmonale) later in life.
PDA also increases the risk of endocarditis which is a life-threatening infection of the lining that covers the heart chambers, valves and main arteries.