Final answer:
A patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close, causing blood to flow abnormally. Early surgical closure is recommended within the first few weeks of life to prevent complications like Eisenmenger syndrome.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital condition in which the ductus arteriosus fails to close. This results in blood flowing from the higher pressure aorta into the lower pressure pulmonary trunk, increasing pulmonary pressure and making respiration difficult. Symptoms include shortness of breath, tachycardia, enlarged heart, widened pulse pressure, and poor weight gain in infants. Early surgical closure (ligation) is recommended within the first few weeks of life to prevent the development of Eisenmenger syndrome, which can lead to congestive heart failure. If left untreated, the condition can result in severe complications.