An unknown wide persistent ductus arteriosus debuting with atrial fibrillation in older adult: a case report

Background The persistently patent ductus arteriosus represents a well-known common congenital heart defect; it is uncommon in adult patients, and in any case, it debuts with atrial fibrillation. Case presentation A 75-year-old woman suffering from persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was admitted to the cardiology department because of atrial fibrillation, dyspnea and exercise intolerance. A PDA was detected on echocardiography and globally assessed through ECG-gated CT angiography. Conclusions Patent ductus arteriosus is an uncommon clinical finding in adulthood, and atrial fibrillation, as a consequence of chronic, progressive left atrial enlargement, may be the initial symptom. We describe the ECG-gated CT angiography imaging features of unknown patent ductus arteriosus in an elderly patient who debuted with atrial fibrillation.