How is persistent pulmonary hypertension typically visualized?

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is primarily assessed using an echocardiogram. This imaging technique is crucial for evaluating the heart's structure and function, and it allows for the visualization of the pulmonary arteries, right ventricle, and left atrium, which are all involved in the condition. An echocardiogram can provide real-time images of the heart and assess blood flow patterns, helping to identify the presence of right-to-left shunting through the foramen ovale or ductus arteriosus, which is a hallmark of PPHN.

In addition to confirming the diagnosis, echocardiography can help determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment decisions. It is non-invasive, widely available, and provides detailed information that is critical for the management of neonates with suspected persistent pulmonary hypertension.