Doppler manifestations of ductal steal: role in decision making.

Patent ductus arteriosus in extremely premature babies is associated with major neonatal morbidities such as necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular haemorrhage. Altered systemic blood flow and end-organ hypoperfusion are known associates of a haemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus where descending aorta blood flow profiles may reveal abnormal diastolic retrograde flow. A preterm neonate was noted to have a large symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus with reversal of diastolic flow in the superior mesenteric vessels. Treatment with indomethacin led to ductal closure and concomitant restoration of diastolic flow and resolution of symptoms. Doppler studies of systemic vessels may help improve our understanding of the systemic impact of a haemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus.