Cite this: Current Controversies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants - Medscape - Aug 01, 2003. The DA of a very preterm infant has minimal constriction ...

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery resulting in left to right shunting. This connection is supposed to close shortly after birth ...

Background and aims: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common functional cardiovascular disease of preterm infants. Hemodynamic relevance for organs and circulation can neither be derived ...

Even in full-term infants, the DA does not close immediately and, although well constricted, its patency is often apparent on echocardiography for up to, and occasionally beyond 24 hours after birth.