The value of contrast echocardiography in the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus with Eisenmenger's syndrome

J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2001 Jan;14(1):57-9. doi: 10.1067/mje.2001.107007.

Abstract

When patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is complicated by pulmonary hypertension resulting in a right-to-left shunt, an erroneous diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension may be made, even after echocardiographic examination. Among the 8 patients referred to our echocardiography laboratory with the diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension between June 1994 and November 1999, 2 patients were found to have PDA with Eisenmenger's syndrome. Patent ductus arteriosus with Eisenmenger's syndrome can be diagnosed by the opacification of the abdominal aorta without opacification of the left-sided chambers during contrast echocardiography.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aorta, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging
  • Contrast Media*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / complications
  • Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / diagnostic imaging*
  • Echocardiography*
  • Eisenmenger Complex / complications
  • Eisenmenger Complex / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Contrast Media