Definition:

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital heart defect with both inherited and acquired causes. The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a fetal specific vascular connection between the main pulmonary artery and the aorta. After birth, the DA normally closes within the first several days of life. If present after the age of 3 month, this condition is known as PDA. PDA can cause significant problems, especially in premature infants. It can be associated with an increased incidence of chronic lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Clinicians may choose to treat the PDA in an attempt to minimize the risk of these complications. Prostaglandin inhibition using indomethacin or ibuprofen is the standard strategy to close the DA. Surgical closure of the DA is an alternative option. Autosomal dominant forms of PDA caused by mutation in the TFAP2B and PRDM6 gene have been reported.