Diagnosis

Several tests may be used to diagnose pulmonary atresia, including:

• Echocardiogram. In an echocardiogram, sound wave movement shows the features of your child's heart. Your doctor might also use an echocardiogram of your abdomen before you deliver your baby (fetal echocardiogram) to diagnose pulmonary atresia.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). In this test, sensor patches with wires attached (electrodes) measure the electrical impulses given off by your baby's heart. An ECG reveals abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and may show other heart problems.
• Cardiac catheterization. In catheterization, your baby's doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in your baby's groin and guides it to your baby's heart. This test shows your baby's heart structure and the blood pressure and oxygen levels in your baby's heart, pulmonary artery and aorta. The doctor may inject a dye into the catheter to make your baby's arteries visible under X-ray.
• Pulse oximetry. This test indicates how much oxygen your baby is getting through his or her blood.
• X-ray. An X-ray shows your baby's doctor the size of your baby's pulmonary atresia, as well as bones and other tissues.