Step I Does this make sense?

[Abacus1050]

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According to a Qbank answer re: patent ductus arteriosus -

" during prenatal life, the pressure gradient causes bloodflow from the left pulmonary artery to the aorta. However, after birth the gradient reverses"

I was under the impression that because of the foramen ovale, the aortic pressure would still be higher even prenatally. What do you think?

 

[Hernandez]

"Fetal pulmonary arteries are hypertrophied from chronic vasoconstriction secondary to a low fetal PO2" I would imagine this vasoconstriction is the main mechanism which maintains the right to left shunting through the PDA.

 

[Abacus1050]

"Fetal pulmonary arteries are hypertrophied from chronic vasoconstriction secondary to a low fetal PO2" I would imagine this vasoconstriction is the main mechanism which maintains the right to left shunting through the PDA.

Thanks for that response Hernandez