Mishal Shanabout 4 years ago

Patent Ductus Arteriosus - A review

The ductus arteriosus is an embryonic shunt which diverts blood away from the high resistance of the lungs to the aorta. As the lungs expand after birth and their resistance decreases, the ductus begins to constrict and ultimately a remnant, the ligamentum arteriosus remains. If this remains patent after birth, it leads to an excess pouring of blood from the aorta into the pulmonary circulation. This in turn, leads to right heart hypertrophy and dysfunction. Watch this video and learn more!