COA

Etiology
1.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coarctation-of-the-
aorta/symptoms-causes/syc-20352529

2.The most common etiology of coarctation of the aorta is constriction of the aorta in
the region of the patent ductus arteriosus or ductal ligamentum. The ductal tissue is
thought to cause constriction in the adjacent region of the aorta. This narrows the
lumen of the aorta. Coarctation also can be more complex and present as aortic arch
hypoplasia and as a component of other left-sided heart lesions (mitral stenosis, aortic
stenosis, hypoplastic left heart syndrome). Mid-thoracic coarctation can occur with
mid-aortic syndromes. Over time, the body compensates by developing collaterals
around the coarctation segment.

Symptomatology

1.Coarctation of the aorta symptoms depend on the severity of the condition.

Most people don't have symptoms. Mild coarctation may not be diagnosed
until adulthood.

Babies with severe coarctation of the aorta may begin having symptoms
shortly after birth. These include:

 Pale skin
 Irritability
 Heavy sweating
 Difficulty breathing
 Difficulty feeding

People with coarctation of the aorta may also have signs or symptoms of
other heart defects, which often occur with the condition.

Signs or symptoms of coarctation of the aorta after infancy commonly include:

 High blood pressure

 Headaches
 Muscle weakness
 Leg cramps or cold feet
 Nosebleeds
 Chest pain

Pathophysiology
1.https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/congenital-
cardiovascular-anomalies/coarctation-of-the-aorta

2. Coarctation of the aorta causes an increase in the upper extremity blood pressure,
resulting in two common presentations. The first is the neonatal presentation that is
associated with left ventricular dysfunction and shock from the neonatal
myocardium's intolerance of the sudden increase in afterload that occurs with closure
of the ductus arteriosus. This presentation often occurs within the first one to two
weeks after birth. In patients with neonatal coarctation evolving while the patent
ductus arteriosus is closing, the lower extremity saturation can be low as perfusion to
the lower body can be maintained by ductal patency. In the era of lower extremity
pulse oximetry screening in newborns, a neonate could often pass with an acceptable
saturation as it is less common for the ductus to contribute significantly unless other
left heart structures are hypoplastic. The second presentation occurs in older children
and adults. Coarctation of the aorta in this scenario results in upper extremity
hypertension, leading to early coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm, and
cerebrovascular disease.

PDA

Etiology
Symptomatology
Pathophysiology