Patent ductus arteriosus

This code identifies a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus, a fetal blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery, fails to close after birth. This persistent opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the pulmonary artery, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs. The severity of symptoms depends on the size of the opening and the amount of shunting.

Assign this code for documented diagnoses of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in infants, children, or adults. This includes cases identified antenatally, neonatally, or later in life if the condition persists. Documentation should clearly state the presence of a PDA, often supported by echocardiogram findings.

• Do not confuse this with other congenital anomalies of the great arteries; ensure the documentation specifically mentions the ductus arteriosus.
• Consider any associated cardiac conditions and code them separately if present and documented.
• If the PDA has been surgically closed, this code is still appropriate for the history of the condition, often followed by a Z-code for status post procedure.