Coarctation of the Aorta

Question 1

define coarctation of the aorta

Answer 1

this is narrow aorta which causes the heart to work harder to pump blood around the body

Question 2

presentation of coarctation of the aorta

Answer 2

• babies: blue, difficulty feeding and breathing
• high blood pressure
• headaches and syncope
• muscle weakness
• chest pain

Question 3

diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta

Answer 3

ankle/brachial BP (absent lower limb pulses)
echocardiogram
CXR shows rib notching
ECG shows LVH
MRI

Question 4

management of coarctation of the aorta

Answer 4

resection
angioplasty and stent placement
subclavian flats aortoplasty (bypass graft repair)