Recurrent coarctation of the aorta: a patient with bilateral persistent sciatic arteries

A 19-year-old female was referred to our department with a diagnosis of recurrent coarctation of the aorta. She had undergone end-to-side anastomosis of the left subclavian artery with the thoracic aorta at 9 days of age and extra-anatomic subclavian-to-femoral bypass grafting at 15 years of age because of hypertensive crisis. A preoperative 4-slice computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated recurrent obstruction of the aorta and, unexpectedly, an associated anomaly of bilateral persistent sciatic arteries. She underwent a successful patch augmentation of the aorta and is currently leading a normal life without need for antihypertensive medication. Persistent sciatic artery is a rare congenital vascular anomaly and is known to develop aneurysm or critical lower limb ischemia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with coarctation of the aorta and bilateral persistent sciatic arteries.