coarctation of the aorta
Pronunciation: ko-ark-TAY-shun
A congenital narrowing of the aorta that can cause hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
Full Definition
Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect characterized by narrowing of the aortic arch, typically occurring just distal to the left subclavian artery near the ligamentum arteriosum. The condition accounts for 5-8% of all congenital heart defects and can be classified as discrete (localized narrowing) or long-segment (extended narrowing). Patients may present in infancy with heart failure and poor feeding, or in childhood/adulthood with hypertension and exercise intolerance. Classic physical findings include upper extremity hypertension, diminished femoral pulses, and a systolic murmur over the back. The condition is associated with bicuspid aortic valve in 50-85% of cases and with Turner syndrome. Treatment typically involves surgical repair or balloon angioplasty with stent placement. Long-term complications include persistent hypertension, aortic aneurysm formation, and premature coronary artery disease.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as CoA; often associated with bicuspid aortic valve requiring additional surveillance.
In Context
- "CT angiography revealed severe coarctation of the aorta with significant pressure gradient." — Diagnostic imaging report
- "The patient's CoA was successfully treated with balloon angioplasty and stent placement." — Procedural report