Persistence of the Arterial Duct: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

A persistent ductus arteriosus is a persistent opening located between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. The opening (ductus arteriosus) is a normal part of babies’ circulatory system in the womb and usually closes shortly after birth. However, if it remains open, it is said to be persistent ductus arteriosus.

A small, leaky ductus arteriosus often causes no problems and may never need treatment. However, a large, leaky ductus arteriosus that is left untreated can allow oxygen-poor blood to flow in the wrong direction, weakening the heart muscle and causing heart failure and other complications.

Symptoms of persistent ductus arteriosus vary depending on the size of the defect and whether the baby was born full term or prematurely. It is possible that if the ductus arteriosus it is small, causes no signs or symptoms, and goes unnoticed for some time, even into adulthood. A ductus arteriosus large can lead to signs of heart failure shortly after birth.

Your baby’s doctor may first suspect a heart defect during a regular exam after hearing a heart murmur with a stethoscope.

The doctor may suspect a persistent ductus arteriosus in your or your child’s body, based on the beating of the heart. He ductus arteriosus it can cause a heart murmur that the doctor can detect with a stethoscope.

If your doctor suspects a heart defect, he or she might recommend one or more of the following tests: Echocardiogram. The sound waves produce images of the heart that can help the doctor identify a ductus arteriosus , see if the heart chambers are enlarged and determine how strongly the heart beats. This test also helps the doctor evaluate the heart valves and detect other possible heart defects. Pulmonary radiography. An x-ray helps the doctor see the condition of your or your baby’s heart and lungs. An X-ray may also reveal conditions other than a heart defect. Electrocardiogram. This test records the heart’s electrical activity, which can help doctors diagnose heart defects or heart rate problems.

Cardiac catheterization. This test is usually not needed to diagnose a single ductus arteriosus but may be done to test for other congenital heart defects found on an echocardiogram or if a catheter procedure is being considered to treat ductus arteriosus .

Treatments for a persistent ductus arteriosus depend on the age of the person being treated. The options can be the following: waiting behavior. In a premature baby, a ductus arteriosus often closes on its own. The doctor will monitor your baby’s heart to make sure the open blood vessel is closing properly. For adults, children and term infants with small ductus arteriosus that do not cause other health problems, simple monitoring may be necessary. Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Infants’ Advil, Infants’ Motrin, others), available over-the-counter, or indomethacin (Indocin), available by prescription, can be used for premature babies , to help close the ductus arteriosus . The bone nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs block hormone-like chemicals in the body that maintain the ductus arteriosus . The bone nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs they don’t close the ductus arteriosus in adults, children and term infants.

surgical closure. If the medications are not effective and your child’s condition is severe or causing complications, surgery may be recommended. The surgeon makes a small incision between your child’s ribs to reach the heart and fix the open duct with stitches or surgical staples.

After surgery, your child will stay in the hospital for several days for observation. It usually takes a child a few weeks to fully recover from heart surgery. Surgical closure may sometimes be recommended for adults who have ductus arteriosus which causes health problems. Possible risks of surgery are hoarseness, bleeding, infection and paralysis of the diaphragm.

Catheter procedures. Premature babies are too small for catheter procedures. However, if your baby does not have health problems related to ductus arteriosus the doctor may recommend waiting until the baby is older to perform a catheter procedure to correct it . Catheter procedures can also be used to treat full-term babies, children, and adults.

In a catheter procedure, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and guided to the heart. Through the catheter, a plug or coil is inserted to close the arterial canal.

In the past, people who had a ductus arteriosus they were advised to take antibiotics before certain surgical and dental procedures to prevent endocarditis. Currently, preventative antibiotics are no longer recommended for most people with PDA.

if you have one ductus arteriosus Even if you had surgery as a child, you are still at risk of developing complications as an adult. Therefore, it is important that you receive lifelong follow-up care, especially if you have undergone corrective heart surgery.

This follow-up care could be as simple as regular check-ups with your doctor or regular screening for complications. The important thing is to discuss your care plan with your doctor and make sure you follow all of their recommendations.

Ideally, you should see a cardiologist trained in the treatment of adults with congenital heart defects.