What is arteriosus?

Arteriosus is a congenital heart defect in which the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the aorta and pulmonary artery before birth, fails to close after birth. This causes oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the pulmonary artery, leading to a condition known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure. Treatment options for PDA include medication, surgical closure, and transcatheter closure.