Coarctation of the Aorta Flashcards
What type of condition is coarctation of the aorta?
Congenital condition
What is coarctation of the aorta?
Narrowing of the descending aorta
What condition is coarctation of the aorta associated with?
Turner’s syndrome
How does coarctation of the aorta affect the pressure of blood flow?
Reduces the pressure of blood flowing to the arteries that are distal to the narrowing
Increases the pressure in areas proximal
What might you see in an infant presenting with coarctation of the aorta?
Weak femoral pulse
Signs of heart failure
What is the main presentation in an adult with coarctation of the aorta?
Hypertension
What other clinical signs can adults with coarctation of the aorta present with?
Radio-femoral delay
Mid systolic murmur, maximal over back
Notching of the inferior boarder of the ribs
What is the management of coarctation of the aorta if severe?
Prostaglandin E to keep the ductus arteriosus open while waiting for surgery.
Surgery to correct the coarctation and to ligate the ductus arteriosus
