Exploring the Role of Trial Occlusion Test in Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Closure: A Serial Case

Abstract

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus occurs in around 1 in 2000 full-term live newborns, making up 10-15% of cases of congenital heart disease. Percutaneous device closure is largely regarded as the preferred therapy for people diagnosed with PDA. Nevertheless, the closure of the PDA with a device is still a difficult task in patients with severe PAH. The trial occlusion strategy is used to evaluate the response of patients with severe pulmonary hypertension after closing the defect by briefly blocking it. This test has the potential to serve as a reliable predictor of the future progression of pulmonary hypertension. Case Presentation: We provide a report on three instances that underwent percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the presence of pulmonary hypertension. A 24-year-old adult patient arrived at our hospital with symptoms of intermittent dyspnea, easy fatigability, and occasional non-productive cough. The examination detected a persistent murmur located at the upper left sternal boundary. The patient received a diagnosis of patent ductus aorta and pulmonary hypertension. Discussion: The condition was successfully treated with transcatheter closure, which included a trial occlusion test. In the second instance, a toddler aged 2 was diagnosed with patent ductus aorta and pulmonary hypertension. The procedure of percutaneous PDA closure was scheduled. Following the trial occlusion test using the device occluder, we observed an elevation in pulmonary pressure which persisted and led to a pulmonary crisis. Conclusion: The trial occlusion test aids in identifying individuals who are prone to experiencing long-term regression of pulmonary hypertension and those who may deteriorate due to progressive pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and right heart failure, therefore determining their suitability for PDA closure.