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Patent ductus arteriosus

Case contributed by Chris Newman
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

High speed motor vehicle accident.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
ct
  • no acute trauma to the heart or mediastinal structures
  • incidental thin enhancing tubular structure traverses between the aorta and pulmonary artery
  • the aortic end has a broad base (ductus diverticulum morphology) with the pulmonary arterial end being narrowed / closed off
  • no stranding or haemtoma to suggest arterial injury

Case Discussion

Incidental patent ductus arteriosus on a trauma study.

This particular PDA appears narrowed or even closed over toward the pulmonary artery end with a more prominent aortic ampulla suggestive of a type A in the Krinchenko classification.

In the setting of trauma, distinction between a PDA and traumatic aortic injury is crucial, especially as this the aortic isthmus region is the most common site. 

In this case, the anatomical location, lack of mural irregularity, as well as the absence of mediastinal hematoma or any other significant chest injuries aids in making the diagnosis.

Case with thanks from Salam Findakly.

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