CVS - Coarctation of Aorta

Question 1

What is Aortic Coarctation?

Answer 1

Congenital narrowing of the descending aorta.

Question 2

Risk Factors of Aortic Coarctation (5).

Answer 2

1. Males.
2. Turner’s Syndrome (Girls with XO).
3. Bicuspid Aortic Valve.
4. Berry Aneurysms.
5. Neurofibromatosis.

Question 3

Pathophysiology of Aortic Coarctation (3).

Answer 3

1. Coarctation will divert blood into the brachiocephalic artery.
2. This supplies the right arm and constricts flow to the more distal branches of the aorta that supplies the right leg.
3. Result : Different saturations in limbs.

Question 4

Clinical Features of Coarctation of Aorta (8).

Answer 4

1. Infants = Heart Failure.
2. Adults = Hypertension.
3. Radio-Femoral Delay.
4. Mid-Systolic Murmur Maximal Over Back.
5. Apical Click from the Aortic Valve.
6. Notching of the Inferior Border of Ribs (due to enlarged intercostal arteries).
7. Weak Femoral Pulses.
8. Underdevelopment of Affected Limbs.

Question 5

Investigation of Aortic Coarctation.

Answer 5

Four Limb BP will reveal high BP in the limbs supplied from arteries that come before the narrowing.

Question 6

Management of Aortic Coarctation (2).

Answer 6

1. Stent Insertion.

2. Surgical Repair.