Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Patent ductus arteriosus in adults is usually an isolated lesion with a small to moderate degree of shunt, as a larger shunt becomes symptomatic earlier in childhood. The classic murmur of patent ductus arteriosus may be the first clue to its presence, or it may be detected accidently by transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance angiography for an unrelated condition. The percutaneous approach is safe and effective in more than 98% of patients. Subacute bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis is not indicated routinely except for 6 months following the closure percutaneously or surgically.