[Echocardiographic screening vs. symptomatic diagnosis for patent ductus arteriosus in preterms].

Background: The persistence of ductus arteriosus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the possible benefit in the treatment for ductus closure when an early (less than 72 hours of life) echocardiographic screening is done versus when the echocardiographic diagnosis is realized only in present of associated symptoms.

Methods: Preterm without malformation followed by two strategies: patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) screening or echocardiographic study on suspected PDA for symptoms (control group). We analyzed the ductus characteristics, the presence of pulmonary hypertension and the treatments for their closure.

Anomalous origin of pulmonary branches from the ascending aorta. A report of five cases and review of the literature.

Unlabelled: The anomalous origin of pulmonary branches is a rare entity where, either the right or the left pulmonary arteries arise from the ascending aorta and where the aortic and pulmonary valves are separated. Clinical manifestations usually appear in the infant or, more rarely, in the newborn and include respiratory distress or congestive heart failure due to increased pulmonary resistance.The survival rate in an Indian series was 94% with the death of one patient from Fallot tetralogy.