Presentation
Resistant arterial hypertension for a long time.
Patient Data
Short segment narrowing of the descending aorta 15 mm distal from the left subclavian artery with mild dilatation of the post-stenotic descending aorta. Marked enlargement of the intercostal, internal mammary, diaphragmatic and superior epigastric arteries. Left ventricular hypertrophy.
Case Discussion
Aortic coarctation is characterized by the constriction or narrowing of the aorta, typically manifesting just beyond the left subclavian artery. This constriction results in an elevation of blood pressure in the upper body, leading to hypertension. If left untreated, coarctation of the aorta can give rise to various complications, including premature coronary artery disease, ventricular dysfunction, aortic aneurysm/dissection. These complications often manifest in the third or fourth decade of life.