Histopathology of the ductus arteriosus after prostaglandin E1 administration in ductus dependent cardiac anomalies.

The histology of the ductus arteriosus was studied after prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) administration in 4 infants with ductus dependent cardiac malformations. Pronounced pathological changes were found in each instance. The changes consisted of oedema of the media with separation of medial components by clear spaces, pathological interruptions of the internal elastic lamina, and intimal lacerations, some of which extended into the media. The findings suggest that PGE1 administration has a profound weakening effect on the structure of the wall of the ductus arteriosus, rendering the vessel prone to laceration.