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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Patent ductus arteriosus is common in premature babies, but rare in infants born at full term.
As a baby develops in the womb, a vascular connection (ductus arteriosus) between two major blood vessels leading from the heart — the aorta and pulmonary artery — is a normal and necessary part of fetal circulation. But, this duct is supposed to close within two or three days after birth once the newborn's heart adapts to life outside the womb. In premature infants, the duct often closes on its own within a few weeks of birth. But if the duct remains open, it's referred to as a patent ductus arteriosus.
The abnormal opening causes too much blood to circulate to the lungs and heart. If not treated, the blood pressure in the lungs may increase (pulmonary hypertension) and the heart may weaken.
Congenital heart defects arise from errors early in the heart's development — but there's often no clear cause. Genetics and perhaps environmental factors may play a role.
