Perth Pulmonary Atresia Discriminant Score

The Perth Pulmonary Atresia Discriminant Score (PPDS) calculator aims to guide initial management of children born with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS). Due to the heterogenous nature of the cardiac anomaly, decision making can be challenging in borderline cases.

The PPDS discriminatory calculator uses echocardiographic measurements at the first echocardiogram, to assist clinicians in their initial decision-making process. The calculator has been developed with a high sensitivity and specificity in discriminating the likely final ventricular outcome in patients with PA/IVS.¹

Open the PPDS calculator

Information prior to using the PPDS calculator:

• The score identifies eventual surgical management based on echocardiography at birth. The model is not designed to evaluate patients at the time of second stage decision making. Standardised quantification of echocardiographic measurements should be performed according to American Society of Echocardiography recommendations.²
• The tool does not consider other anatomical factors such coronary artery anomalies or any comorbid congenital heart lesions. These must be considered when using the score to aid decision making.
• The tool is not suitable for use in any other congenital heart lesions aside from PA/IVS.
• The output from this tool provides an estimate of the chance of proceeding to biventricular repair in eligible patients, rather than treatment recommendations.

Disclaimer

The PPDS calculator is designed for use by medical professionals. Use of this Score and the information/data derived from it is not a substitute for individual case-based management as guided by patient-based decision making in a multidisciplinary clinical setting. The Score is designed by the Western Australian Child and Adolescent Health Service and is intended for personal non-commercial purposes. The Score is provided “AS IS” and The Western Australian Child and Adolescent Health Service makes no other warranties with respect to the Score, including but not limited to those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

By using the Score, you hereby waive any claims, causes of action and demands against The Western Australian Child and Adolescent Health Service (including its employees, physicians, directors and agents) in any way related to use of the Score and the information/data derived from it.

Relevant publications

1. Justo E, Tarca A, McKinnon E, Bruce D, Maslin K, MacDonald B et al. Echocardiographic predictors of surgical outcomes in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and development of a discriminatory calculator: an Australian tertiary institution experience. Cardiol Young. 2025 Feb;35(2):350-357.
2. Lopez L, Saurers DL, Barker P, Cohen MS, Colan SD, Dwyer J et al. Guidelines for Performing a Comprehensive Pediatric Transthoracic Echocardiogram: Recommendations from the American Society of Echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2024 Feb;37(2):119-170.