How do you test for coarctation of the aorta?

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

1. Echocardiogram.
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG).
3. Chest X-ray.
4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
5. Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
6. CT angiogram.
7. Cardiac catheterization.

When is coarctation of aorta usually diagnosed?

Diagnosis. Coarctation of the aorta is usually diagnosed after the baby is born. How early in life the defect is diagnosed usually depends on how mild or severe the symptoms are. Newborn screening using pulse oximetry during the first few days of life may or may not detect coarctation of the aorta.

Which of the following procedures is recommended to treat coarctation of the aorta?

Twenty years ago, surgery was the only treatment available for aortic coarctation. Surgery is still considered the gold standard, but today treatment options for adults with this condition also include balloon angioplasty, stenting, stent grafting, or hybrid repair (a combination of open surgery and stent grafts).

What is the main symptom of coarctation of the aorta?

Symptoms can vary from mild to more severe. They may include trouble breathing, poor weight gain, poor feeding, and pale skin. If not treated, it can lead to coronary artery disease, kidneys not working well, high blood pressure in the upper body and low blood pressure in the lower body, and even death.

How long can you live with coarctation of the aorta?

Aortic coarctation is found in approximately 1:3000 newborns and, if left untreated, reduces the life expectancy to 34 years on average [1].

How long does surgery for coarctation of the aorta take?

The procedure takes about three to four hours. Your child will be admitted to the hospital the morning of the procedure and may return home the following morning. To perform cardiac catheterization, a tiny incision is made in the groin to insert thin, flexible tubes, called catheters.

What is coarctation of the aorta associated with?

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a relatively common defect that accounts for 5-8% of all congenital heart defects. Coarctation of the aorta may occur as an isolated defect or in association with various other lesions, most commonly bicuspid aortic valve and ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Is coarctation of the aorta genetic?

The exact cause of coarctation of the aorta is unknown. It results from abnormalities in development of the aorta prior to birth. Aortic coarctation is more common in people with certain genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome.

What percent of children have coarctation of the aorta?

Coarctation of the aorta occurs in about 6 to 8 percent of all children with congenital heart disease, and twice as frequently in boys.

What are the symptoms of coarctation of the aorta?

Symptoms of Coarctation of the Aorta. Symptoms of CoA depend on how much blood is able to flow through the arteries. Symptoms can include: Angina (chest pain) Dizziness. Leg fatigue or cramps. Nosebleeds.

How often does a coarctation of aorta occur?

Coarctation of the aorta occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births and accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all congenital heart defects. It is less common, but it is also not unusual for the diagnosis to be made in adulthood.

How does coarctation of the aorta develop?

It is also possible that coarctation develops because the blood flow in the growing aorta is not normal . This might be caused by problems in the heart itself. Another theory is that people with coarctation have an in-born problem in the cells that make up the walls of their aorta.

What is the prognosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA)?

Coarctation of the aorta is a lifelong disease with a guarded prognosis. Relief of obstruction, control of High Blood Pressure High pressure in the arteries (vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body). , follow-up monitoring for recurrent obstruction, and follow-up care of associated anomalies are imperative. Continue subacute bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis indefinitely, even in the absence of associated abnormalities.