Patent ductus arteriosus in adult patients with aortic valvular disease: The importance of routine screening for a left-to-right shunt at cardiac catheterization

Abstract
Two patients, catheterized primarily for the preoperative assessment of clinically apparent aortic stenosis and insufficiency, were found to have a patent ductus arteriosus as well at cardiac catheterization. The association of aortic valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus is reviewed, and the importance of making the diagnosis prior to aortic valve replacement is stressed, emphasizing the routine use of the hydrogen‐platinum electrode system.