Congenital Cardiology

Question 1

coarctation of the aorta pathophysiology

Answer 1

congenital condition- narrowing of the aortic arch usually around the ductus arteriosus

can be associated with genetic conditions (Turners)

narrowing the aorta reduces the pressure of blood flowing to the arteries that are distal to the narrowing and increases the pressure proximal to the narrowing

Question 2

coarctation of the aorta presentation

Answer 2

weak femoral pulses (four limb BP)
high BP in limbs supplied from arteries that came before the narrowing
lower BP in limbs that come after the narrowing

systolic murmur (left infraclavicular) below the left scapula

• tachypnea
• poor feeding
• grey and floppy
• LV heave (ventricular hypertrophy)
• underdeveloped left arm (reduced flow to the left subclavian artery)
• underdevelopment of the legs.

Question 3

management of coarctation of the aorta

Answer 3

mild- live symptom-free without requiring surgical input

critical- the risk of HF and death. PGE to keep ductus arteriosus open to ensure some systemic circulation

surgical to correct coarctation