What diagnostic tool is used to confirm persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) in infants?

The echocardiogram is the preferred diagnostic tool to confirm persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) in infants because it provides real-time imaging of the heart and major blood vessels, allowing for the assessment of hemodynamic status, right and left ventricular function, and the presence of any structural heart defects. By using Doppler ultrasound, clinicians can evaluate blood flow patterns and pressures within the heart and pulmonary circulation.

This imaging technique is non-invasive, making it particularly suitable for the fragile conditions often present in neonates. An echocardiogram can effectively identify right ventricular hypertrophy and assess for shunting across the ductus arteriosus or foramen ovale, which can help in diagnosing PPH.

In contrast, other imaging modalities such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI offer limited direct information about blood flow dynamics and heart function in this context. X-rays can provide some insight into lung and heart size but lack the specificity needed for diagnosing PPH. CT scans, while detailed, expose the infant to radiation and are not typically used in this population. MRI is an advanced technique that may be helpful in certain circumstances but is not a standard diagnostic tool for PPH in infants due to its complexity and time requirements, along with the need for