Acquired coarctation of the aorta
T J Starc1, S J Abramson, F Z Bierman
1Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032.
Insights
Acquired coarctation of the aorta can cause hypertension in children following medical procedures. Early detection of this aortic narrowing is crucial for timely treatment and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital narrowing of the aorta.
- Hypertension in children can have various underlying causes, including vascular abnormalities.
Observation:
- This report details two pediatric cases of acquired coarctation of the aorta.
- One case was linked to umbilical artery catheterization, leading to aortic thrombosis and dilation.
- The second case followed surgical aortotomy for neuroblastoma removal.
Findings:
- Acquired coarctation of the aorta is an infrequent but remediable cause of secondary hypertension in children.
- Interventional procedures on the aorta can lead to this complication.
Implications:
- Periodic examination for coarctation is recommended for children with a history of aortic interventions.
- Identifying acquired coarctation is vital as it represents a treatable cause of pediatric hypertension.
Abstract:
Coarctation of the aorta is usually caused by a congenital narrowing of the aorta. This report describes two children who developed hypertension secondary to an acquired coarctation of the aorta. In one patient the coarctation was temporally related to umbilical artery catheterization and was associated with thrombosis and aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta. In the second patient, the coarctation occurred after surgical aortotomy during the removal of an intrathoracic neuroblastoma. Patients who have interventional damage to the aorta should be periodically examined for the appearance of a coarctation. Although an acquired coarctation of the aorta is an infrequent complication of invasive or surgical procedures, it should be identified since it represents a remediable cause of hypertension in children.
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