Isthmian coarctation

Isthmian Coarctation is a medical condition characterized by a narrowing of the aorta, the major artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This narrowing occurs in the part of the aorta that passes through the isthmus, a region just distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery. Isthmian coarctation is a form of coarctation of the aorta (CoA), a congenital heart defect that can lead to serious health issues if not treated.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of isthmian coarctation can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing. In infants, it may present as heart failure or difficulty in feeding. Older children and adults might experience high blood pressure, leg fatigue, or headaches. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans, which can visualize the narrowing in the aorta.

Treatment

Treatment options for isthmian coarctation depend on the age of the patient and the severity of the condition. In many cases, surgery is required to repair the narrowed section of the aorta. This can involve resection of the narrowed segment and end-to-end anastomosis, patch aortoplasty, or bypass grafting. In some cases, balloon angioplasty or stenting may be considered, especially in adults or for recoarctation.

Epidemiology

Isthmian coarctation is a relatively rare condition, constituting a significant percentage of congenital heart defects. It is more commonly diagnosed in males than in females. The exact cause of isthmian coarctation is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Complications

If left untreated, isthmian coarctation can lead to several serious complications, including hypertension, heart failure, aortic rupture, and endocarditis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications and ensure a better quality of life for affected individuals.

See Also

• Congenital heart defect
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Hypertension