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Coarctation of aorta in a 52-year-old female

Mouhammed Joumaa1, David Graham, Howard Rosman

  • 1St. John Hospital and Medical Center, 22101 Moross, Detroit, MI, 48236, USA. mouhammed.joumaa@stjohn.org

The Journal of Invasive Cardiology
|January 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Coarctation of the aorta, a congenital heart defect, can be diagnosed late in life. This case highlights a 52-year-old woman with aortic coarctation and bicuspid aortic valve presenting with symptoms in her fifth decade.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital cardiovascular malformation affecting 5-10% of patients with such conditions.
  • It typically originates distal to the left subclavian artery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality risks.
  • Diagnosis often relies on symptoms and physical findings, especially in early life, though many remain asymptomatic until adulthood.

Observation:

  • This case report details a 52-year-old female with a late diagnosis of aortic coarctation.
  • The patient presented with chest discomfort, fatigue, and dyspnea in her fifth decade of life.
  • She also had an undiagnosed bicuspid aortic valve, a common co-occurring anomaly.

Findings:

  • The patient was relatively asymptomatic until her fifth decade, indicating a potentially subtle presentation of aortic coarctation.
  • Clinical presentation and a markedly elevated gradient were key diagnostic indicators.
  • The combination of aortic coarctation and bicuspid aortic valve was identified in this adult patient.

Implications:

  • Late diagnosis of aortic coarctation is possible, emphasizing the need for vigilance in adult cardiovascular assessments.
  • Bicuspid aortic valve may coexist with aortic coarctation, influencing clinical presentation and management.
  • Prompt diagnosis and referral for corrective therapy are crucial for managing symptomatic adult patients with aortic coarctation.

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