What is the pathophysiology of coarctation of aorta?

In the hemodynamic theory, an abnormal preductal flow or abnormal angle between the ductus and aorta that increases right-to-left ductal flow and decreases isthmic flow potentiates development of coarctation. Postnatal spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus completes the development of aortic obstruction.

What is Preductal coarctation of the aorta?

Preductal coarctation results when an intracardiac anomaly during fetal life decreases blood flow through the left side of the heart, leading to hypoplastic development of the aorta. This is the type seen in approximately 5% of infants with Turner syndrome.

What happens if you have coarctation of the aorta?

The extra work on the heart can cause the walls of the heart to become thicker in order to pump harder. This eventually weakens the heart muscle. If the aorta is not widened, the heart may weaken enough that it leads to heart failure. Coarctation of the aorta often occurs with other congenital heart defects.

How is coarctation of the aorta detected?

Tests to confirm a diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta may include:

Echocardiogram.
Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Chest X-ray.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
CT angiogram.
Cardiac catheterization.

What is Postductal coarctation of aorta?

Postductal coarctation (C): The narrowing is distal to the insertion of the ductus arteriosus. This type is most common in adults. It is associated with notching of the ribs (because of collateral circulation), hypertension in the upper extremities, and weak pulses in the lower extremities.

How does a PDA help coarctation of the aorta?

The PDA is a connecting vessel between the pulmonary artery (the blood vessel that carries lower oxygen carrying blood to the lungs) and the aorta. When the PDA closes, the area of narrowing can become worse, and the left ventricle has to pump against a higher body blood pressure.

Can coarctation of the aorta be cured?

Coarctation of the aorta can be cured with surgery. Symptoms quickly get better after surgery. However, there is an increased risk for death due to heart problems among those who have had their aorta repaired.

What causes the coarctation of the aorta to occur?

Coarctation may occur alone or with various other congenital anomalies (eg, bicuspid aortic valve, ventricular septal defect, aortic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve disorders, intracerebral aneurysms). Pressure overload causes left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension in the upper part of the body, including the brain.

How does LV afterload affect coarctation of the aorta?

LV afterload may also gradually increase, allowing children with less severe coarctation to develop arterial collateral vessels that partially bypass the aortic obstruction. These children may be asymptomatic until hypertension is detected or another complication develops.

How does coarctation of the heart affect the body?

The narrowing, or coarctation, blocks normal blood flow to the body. This can back up flow into the left ventricle of the heart, making the muscles in this ventricle work harder to get blood out of the heart. Since the narrowing of the aorta is usually located after arteries branch to the upper body,…

How is coarctation of the aorta treated in children?

During surgery to correct a coarctation, the narrow portion is removed and the aorta is reconstructed or patched to allow blood to flow normally through the aorta. Even after surgery, children with a coarctation of the aorta often have high blood pressure that is treated with medicine.

What is the pathophysiology of coarctation of aorta? In the hemodynamic theory, an abnormal preductal flow or abnormal angle between the ductus and aorta that increases right-to-left ductal flow and decreases isthmic flow potentiates development of coarctation. Postnatal spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus completes the development of aortic obstruction. What is Preductal coarctation of…