Etymed
patent ductus arteriosus
Definition
A congenital condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, allowing abnormal blood flow between the pulmonary artery and the aorta
Clinical context
A full-term infant presents with a continuous machinery-like murmur heard best at the left upper sternal border, and findings of pulmonary overcirculation on chest X-ray. The infant has poor feeding and respiratory distress. Echocardiography confirms a left-to-right shunt between the pulmonary artery and aorta. This condition typically presents in the first few days of life and requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
Mnemonic
PDA - Patent Ductus Arteriosus - 'Pulmonary' and 'Aorta' connected like a 'pipe' in the heart
These morphemes also unlock…
- patent — open; wide
- ductus — duct; vessel
- arteriosus — of artery