USMLE/COMLEX - Step 2 - Coarctation of the Aorta
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USMLE/COMLEX - Step 2 - Coarctation of the Aorta
What is the pathophysiology of coarctation of aorta?
Constriction that causes an increase of blood to flow proximal to the coarctation and decrease of blood flow distal to the coarctation?
What are risk factors?
Male gender
Bicuspid aortic valve
Turner syndrome
Berry aneurysms
How will the patient present?
Asymptomatic
Hypertension
Headache
Murmur
Difference in systolic blood pressure readings between right and left arm
Weak femoral pulse
Syncope??
What will be heard on auscultation?
Continuous murmur
How can it be visualized on CXR?
Rib notching
How is it managed?
Infancy: prostaglandin E1 to close the ductus arteriosus
Adult: surgery and angioplasties are controversial