Doppler ultrasonic flow detection as an adjunct in the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants.

Since ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus in the neonate with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome seems to improve the clinical condition of the infant, we have attempted to identify those neonates earlier with the noninvasive Doppler ultrasonic technique, recording brachial arterial flow signals. Sixteen patients were studied. In the 5 with reversed brachial flow who were operated upon, ligation of a PDA resulted in improvement and postoperative correction of brachial flow reversal as evidenced by the Doppler ultrasonic technique.