Coarctation of the Aorta: Its Importance for Pediatricians and Cardiologists

Abstract

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital defect that affects 5-8% of live births, with different degrees of severity. It may remain unnoticed throughout childhood or, in contrast, progress to heart failure and cardiogenic shock. [1][2][3] The most common location for coarctation of the aorta is near the ductal remnant and left subclavian artery. 4 The main clinical signs of coarctation of the aorta are heart murmur, diminished pulses in lower extremities, arterial hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy. It is commonly associated with a bicuspid aortic valve. In adults, in addition to hypertension with increased systemic vascular resistance, retinal arteriolar abnormality and lower extremity claudication may also occur. 5