Cardiology - Coarctation Of Aorta

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Congenital condition where there is narrowing of the aortic arch - usually around the ductus arteriosus .
- Severity varies

Question 2

Risk factors

Answer 2

Turner’s syndrome

Question 3

Presentation

Answer 3

Neonate = weak femoral pulses
Infancy =
- Tachypnoea and increased work of breathing
- Poor feeding
- Grey and floppy baby
Additional signs may develop over time =
- Left ventricular heave due to left ventricular hypertrophy
- Underdeveloped left arm where there is reduced flow to the left subclavian artery
- Underdevelopment of the legs

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

CRITICAL COARCTATION:
- Prostaglandin E used to keep ductus arteriosus open while waiting for surgery
- Surgical repair