Duct Open Arterial (Patent Ductus Arteriosus)

Duct Open Arterial

Patent ductus arteriosus is a pathological condition that is characterized by dilation and opening of the ductus arteriosus between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. This can lead to serious health problems in newborns and infants.

The ductus arteriosus is a small canal that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta during fetal development. It normally closes soon after birth, but in some babies it remains open. This condition is called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).

PDA can be caused by various reasons such as hypoxia, infections, abnormal position of the placenta or other factors. If the duct remains open for too long, it can lead to various complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary edema, and even death.

Diagnosis of PDA is usually carried out using echocardiography, which allows you to see the duct and evaluate its condition. Treatment for PDA depends on its severity and may include the use of medications such as prostaglandin inhibitors, as well as surgical methods such as closing the duct.

It is important to note that PDA can only be diagnosed in newborns and infants, so it is important to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms associated with this condition.

Duct arteriosus!

In Latin it sounds like “artearium ductus patentis”. To put it simply, **PDA** is a pathological dilatation of the ductus arteriosus (DA), accompanied by its incomplete obliteration (fusion). The lumen of the open duct contains a large amount of blood, but it does not collapse (close). Ideally, if the ADP were to close completely, oxygenated blood and carbon dioxide would gradually cease to flow from the baby's circulation. This is important because premature babies need more oxygen than they can handle.

The term “duct” does not correspond to the true structure of these vessels. In fact, these are tributaries of the lungs, through which blood reaches the alveoli. Through them, blood saturated with 35% oxygen flows to the lungs, and almost pure venous blood mixed with air flows back.