PDA Ligation in Adults – A 2-years Experience in Tikur Anbassa Hospital, Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine

Backdround: Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is commonly diagnosed & treated in infancy.It is unusual to see patients with PDA in adults in developed countries.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of charts of adult patients who were operated & PDA ligation done in Tikur Anbasa specialized hospital starting from September 1, 2009 to August 31,2011 was made.
Results: Out of thirty one patients operated in two years time, twenty six(84%) charts could be retrieved. Nineteen pts(73 %) were female & Seven pts(27 %) were male. The commonest age group was 16-20(46%). The commonest presenting symptom was exertional dyspnea(61%), three pts(12%) were asymptomatic. Twelve pts(46%) were on medical treatment preoperatively. Fifty four percent of pts had PDA size 5-8mm.One patient died during reoperation .
Conclusion: In developed countries , PDA is exclusively managed at infancy but in developing countries like ours, PDA may present in adults with symptoms and if there is no evidence of significant pulmonary hypertension ,PDA ligation is safe and effective.