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Coarctation of the aorta presenting as systemic hypertension in a young adult
Jorge R Alegria1, Harold M Burkhart, Heidi M Connolly
1University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Insights
A young male with hypertension had severe aortic coarctation and an ascending aortic aneurysm. Surgical repair involving aortic bypass grafting and ascending aorta replacement was successful, requiring lifelong follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- A 20-year-old male with a history of systemic hypertension.
- Presented with a systolic murmur, early ejection click, and diminished femoral pulses.
Observation:
- Physical examination, laboratory tests, ECG, chest X-ray, echocardiography, and CT chest were performed.
- Diagnostic findings revealed severe juxtaductal aortic coarctation.
- Associated conditions included an ascending aortic aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve, and atrial septal defect.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included an ascending-descending intrapericardial aortic bypass graft.
- Atrial septal defect closure and ascending aorta replacement were successfully completed.
- The patient's bicuspid aortic valve did not require intervention for stenosis or regurgitation.
Implications:
- Successful surgical management of complex aortic coarctation and aneurysm in a young patient.
- Highlights the importance of comprehensive cardiovascular assessment in hypertensive individuals.
- Lifelong medical follow-up is essential for managing these complex cardiovascular conditions.
Background:
A 20-year-old male presented with a history of systemic hypertension. Examination revealed a systolic murmur with an early ejection click, and femoral pulses were markedly reduced.
Investigations:
Physical examination, laboratory testing, electrocardiography, chest radiography, comprehensive echocardiography including pulsed-wave Doppler examination, and CT of the chest.
Diagnosis:
Severe coarctation of the juxtaductal aorta accompanied by an ascending aortic aneurysm, a bicuspid aortic valve without evidence of hemodynamically significant stenosis or regurgitation, and an atrial septal defect.
Management:
An ascending-descending intrapericardial aortic bypass graft, atrial septal defect closure, and ascending aorta replacement were all successfully performed. Lifelong follow-up will be required.
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