Aortic Coarctation

Question 1

Aortic Coarctation: Define

Answer 1

Birth defect where aorta is narrowed near the Ductus Arteriosus region.

Question 2

Aortic Coarctation: Most at risk M/F?

Answer 2

Men

Question 3

Aortic Coarctation: Associations:

Answer 3

Turners Syndrome
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Berry Aneurysm
Neurofibromatosis

Question 4

Aortic Coarctation: Symptoms (may be none)/Signs

Answer 4

Heart failure - infancy 
Hypertension - adulthood
Apical Click - Aortic Valve
Poor leg pulses
Cold leg 
Radial-femoral delay (after ductus arteriosus)
Radial-radial delay (before ductus arteriosus)
Failure to thrive 
Mid-systolic murmur

Question 5

Aortic Coarctation: Investigations:

Answer 5

ECG
ECHO
CXR - notching of inferior border of ribs (70% px (adults))
CT
Chest MRI
Blood Pressure (difference in arms-arms, and arms-legs)

Question 6

Aortic Coarctation: Treatment

Answer 6

Surgery

Balloon Angioplasty

Question 7

Aortic Coarctation: Acute Circulatory Collapse.

Answer 7

At 2 days old
Duct is supplying blood to descending aorta
When duct closes at 2 days, blood flow is cut off
Blood pressure drops in lower limbs - and a murmur is heard on the left side under the clavicle and over the scapula.