Coarctation of

the Aorta
By Gemma Erdmann
 Objectives
To understand the definition and meaning of
coarctation of the aorta
To be able to understand and explain the diagnosis,
treatment, and prognosis of coarctation of the aorta
 What is Coarctation of the Aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta is a
congenital birth defect that
describes a narrowing of the
aorta. The aorta is the main
artery that carries oxygen-
rich blood from the left
ventricle of the heart to all
of the organs in the body.
The defect occurs during
fetal development, however
the exact cause is unknown.
The coarctation can occur anywhere in the aorta,
however, it occurs most commonly just beyond the aortic
arch. The narrowing is after the arteries that bring
oxygen-rich blood to the upper body and before the
arteries that bring blood to the lower body.
This causes the blood pressure in the
arms to be very high and the blood
pressure in the legs to be very low.
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/coarctation
 Diagnosis at Birth
 The age at which coarctation is diagnosed depends on the severity of the
narrowing.

 In most cases, the diagnosis occurs during the first few days of life. The left
ventricle cannot continue to pump effectively against the resistance from
the coarctation and the infant goes into congestive heart failure (CHF).

 Coarctation can be also be detected during the newborn examination by

checking the infant’s femoral pulses. These pulses may be weak on
palpation or completely absent.

 The diagnosis is confirmed with echocardiography, an ultrasound test which

can define the anatomy of the aorta.
 Diagnosis
In Childhood and Adolescence
When coarctation is not diagnosed at birth, the defect
may go undetected for years. In older patients,
coarctation is suspected when the blood pressure is high
in the arms and low in the legs. The physician may also
hear a heart murmur or may be unable to feel pulses in
the child’s legs or feet.
The diagnosis is confirmed with
echocardiography.
 Treatment
Once coarctation of aorta has been diagnosed,
treatment aims at correcting the defect and restoring
blood flow to the lower part of the body.
1. One surgical technique involves resecting the
narrowed segment of the aorta and then performing
end-to-end anastomosis (reconnection).


 Treatment
2. In older children, the defect can be corrected
through cardiac catheterization. A catheter is threaded
through a major artery, most commonly the femoral
artery, and the narrowed segment is stretched open
with a balloon. In some cases, a metal stent is placed to
prevent the segment from re-narrowing.
 Prognosis
After surgery, the child may need repeat surgery or
catheterization if the repaired area re-narrows, which is
why it is important for the child to continue to follow-up
with his or her cardiologist.
Blood pressure will return to normal in many children,
however, long-term or late hypertension may occur in
some patients requiring medication.
Once coarctation of the aorta has been repaired, the
prognosis, in many cases, is excellent and the child will be
able to love a healthy, normal life.
 Question
1. Patients who have had aortic coarctation repair have a
high frequency of what in their future?
a. Cancer
b. Hypertension
c. Vitamin Deficiency
d. Weight Loss
 References
Coarctation of the aorta: MedlinePlus Medical
Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2021, from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/00019
1.htm
Coarctation of the Aorta. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22,
2021, from
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/coarctation