Diagnosis

Doctors may use several tests to diagnose pulmonary atresia:

• Pulse oximetry. This simple test measures the amount of oxygen in your baby's blood. Your doctor will attach a small sensor to your baby's hand or foot.
• X-ray. An X-ray shows your baby's doctor the shape and size of your baby's heart and any defects.
• Echocardiogram. In an echocardiogram, sound wave movement reveals the features of your baby'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 finds abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and may show other heart damage.
• Cardiac catheterization. In catheterization, the 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 see your baby's arteries more easily under X-ray.
• Cardiac CT scan. This scan of your baby's heart and blood vessels is taken to help understand the anatomy and the presence of MAPCAs, which are these collateral arteries, which will be important for planning the repair.