Estimation of patent ductus arteriosus diameters by colour Doppler echocardiography in children

ObjectiveTo investigate whether accurate estimation of the diameter of the patent ductus arteriosus can be obtained by colour Doppler echocardiography.MethodsThe minimum and maximum diameters of the patent ductus arteriosus were measured by colour Doppler echocardiography and compared with its angiographic size.ResultsWe studied 40 patients, aged between 4 months and 18 years. The measured pulmonary side diameter in echocardiography was 33.6% larger than that in angiography, and the aortic side was 7.8% smaller. We found a correlation between the measurements of the minimum and maximum size of the patent ductus arteriosus (r = 48.8 and 52.6) by colour Doppler echocardiography and angiographic findings, respectively.ConclusionColour Doppler echocardiography significantly overestimates the minimum size of the patent ductus arteriosus; therefore, reconsideration of the respective size is suggested.