Pulmonary Atresia

Diagnosis

A health care provider may suspect pulmonary atresia when examining the child. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) can show the heart defect, and additional tests may be needed, including the following:

Cardiac Catheterization

This procedure gives detailed information about the structures inside the heart. A small, thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, and guided to the inside of the heart. Blood pressure and oxygen levels in the four chambers of the heart are measured, as well as in the pulmonary (lung) artery and aorta. Contrast dye is used to clearly visualize the structures inside the heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

This test records the electrical activity of the heart, detects abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and detects heart muscle stress.

X-ray

This diagnostic test produces images of internal tissues, bones, and organs.