ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF DIASTOLIC CIRCULATION IN DESCENDING AORTA IN CHILDREN WITH PERSISTENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

Background Echocardiographic methods are the best choice in all phases of diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Depending on the diameter, position and age of children, circulation in ductus has different influences in systemic and pulmonary circulation. Except normal routine echocardiographic assessment of ductus it also exists in indirect methods like assessment of diastolic circulation in descending aorta, typical for aortopulmonary communication. The aim of this presentation is echocardiographic assessment of diastolic circulation in descending aorta and relation with diameter of ductus, in children with PDA. Methods Doppler and colour Doppler echocardiography. Results In 39 children, with PDA and without any other congenital heart disease, aged from 4 months to 7 years, by Doppler and colour Doppler diastolic circulation was assessed in the descending aorta. Results are near correlation with diameter of the ductus, when high speeds are associated with narrow diameter of ductus (relation 1 3.2 to 4.1). Low speeds were registered in width diameter of ductus (relation 1 2.4 to 3).