Value of intravascular ultrasound in the diagnosis and characterization of patent ductus arterious in an adult patient

We report the case of a 47-year-old patient with a patent ductus arteriosus who underwent angiography and percutaneous intravascular ultrasound examination. The case illustrates that intravascular ultrasound contributes to the charecterization of patent ductus arteriosus when a surgical or trans-cather closure is planned, as calcifications of the wall as well as aneurysmal dilations can be ruled out. Furthermore, measurements of the diameter of the ductus can be made.