Assessment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants by single lateral film aortography.

Differentiation of a hemodynamically significant cardiovascular abnormality from lung disease in the newborn infant may remain problematic after clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic evaluation. Single-view aortography was performed in 38 preterm and one full term infant in the neonatal special care nursery. Special lateral views were obtained consisting of either a horizontal x-ray beam with oblique angulation of the supine patient or a vertical bean with 30 degree head-up angulation of the patient. These views projected the ductus caudal to the aortic arch and enabled visualization of the entire length of the ductus and focal constrictions of the ductus. The severity of patent ductus arteriosus was judged by anatomic (diameter of the ductus compared to the descending aorta) and physiologic (preferential opacification of the aortic arch or pulmonary circulation) criteria.