Value of continuous Doppler velocimetry for the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus

: A study of the curve of wave Doppler ultrasonography of 3 arterial axes (carotid, subclavian and femoral) was performed in 32 children in whom the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus was suspected. A continuous 8 MHz wave directional ultrasonic Doppler apparatus was used. At the level of subclavian and femoral arteries, patent ductus arteriosus is associated with a negative holodiastolic wave on the curve. At the carotid level, disappearance of the physiologic diastolic elevation may be the only change observed. Three groups were studied (1) 15 premature neonates with isolated murmur, (2) 15 premature neonates with respiratory distress and (3) 2 older children. In group 2, diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus relies on clinical signs. A good correlation between Doppler and clinical data and/or TM ultrasonography was observed in 93% of cases.