What is the Range of Sizes Observed for a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) that Persists?
Based on the provided reference, the size of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) that persists beyond infancy can range significantly, from very large to less than 1 mm.
While the question asks for a "normal" size, it's important to understand that a PDA is an opening between two major blood vessels near the heart (the aorta and the pulmonary artery) that is supposed to close shortly after birth. If it remains open (persists), it is considered a condition rather than a normal state. Therefore, there isn't a "normal" size for a persistent PDA; its size simply varies.
Understanding PDA Size Variability
The reference highlights the broad spectrum of PDA sizes observed in infants where the ductus fails to close:
- Size Range: The reference explicitly states the size can range from very large to <1 mm.
- Clinical Impact: This wide variation in size directly correlates with the clinical findings observed in affected individuals. A very large PDA can have different symptoms and implications compared to a very small one (<1 mm).
The provided information confirms that a PDA that persists, occurring in an estimated 0.3–0.8–4 per 1000 live births and accounting for roughly 10% of congenital heart defects, shows considerable variation in its physical size.
