Aortic stiffness index and its association with cardiovascular functions in children before and after transcatheter closure of PDA

Abstract Background Patent ductus arteriosus is generally associated with hyperdynamic status. Given the vascular shunt between the aorta and pulmonary artery, intrinsic aortic changes occur (aortic stiffness). In the present study, we attempted to assess the impact of PDA on aortic stiffness and its connection with cardiovascular function before and after transcatheter closure of PDA. Patient and methods Our study consisted of 60 children who were preparing for transcatheter closure of PDA and 60 healthy controls. All patients had clinical and echocardiographic proof of hemodynamically significant PDA. Results Patients with PDA exhibited significantly higher ASI than controls before closure (p-value  Conclusion Aortic stiffness is significantly increased in patients with PDA regardless of PDA size. Aortic stiffness is related to reduced heart function. ASI may be valuable for observing the course of patients with PDA before and after intervention.