Risk factorsEdit

Known risk factors include:

Preterm birthCongenital rubella syndromeChromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome)Genetic

conditions such as Loeys–Dietz syndrome(would also present with other heart defects), Wiedemann–
Steiner syndrome, and CHARGE syndrome.

DiagnosisEdit

Phonocardiograms from normal and abnormal heart sounds

PDA is usually diagnosed using noninvasive techniques. Echocardiography (in which sound wavesare

used to capture the motion of the heart) and associated Doppler studies are the primary methods of
detecting PDA. Electrocardiography (ECG), in which electrodes are used to record the electricalactivity of
the heart, is not particularly helpful as no specific rhythms or ECG patterns can be used to detect PDA.[2]

A chest X-ray may be taken, which reveals overall heart size (as a reflection of the combined mass of the
cardiac chambers) and the appearance of blood flow to the lungs. A small PDA most often accompanies
a normal-sized heart and normal blood flow to the lungs. A large PDA generally accompanies an
enlarged cardiac silhouette and increased blood flow to the lungs.