Why does Patent Ductus Arteriosus lead to Endocarditis?

[whaa1]

Hi all, hope this is the right place to ask this.

Why do people with patent ductus arteriosus have an increased risk of developing bacterial endocarditis? Thanks.

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[mjordan23]

A PDA causes increased flow across the L pulmonary artery and results in damage to the endothelial lining. This in turn can increase the risk of endocarditis, however this is now considered a rare complication of a PDA.