[Management of aortic coarctation in adult]
Guy Vaksmann1, Adélaïde Richard
1Hôpital Privé de la Louvière, Vendôme-cardio, 59000 Lille, France. guy.vaksmann@wanadoo.fr
Insights
Coarctation of the aorta, a congenital heart defect, requires lifelong monitoring for adult patients. Advanced imaging and stent placement are key treatments for managing long-term cardiovascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Vascular Surgery
Context:
- Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) represents 7% of congenital heart diseases.
- Over 10,000 adults in France have undergone surgery for CoA.
- Bicuspid aortic valve is present in over 50% of CoA patients.
Purpose:
- To highlight the chronic nature of coarctation of the aorta post-surgery.
- To emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance of adult patients.
- To outline current best practices for managing CoA complications.
Summary:
- Adults operated for coarctation of the aorta are not cured and face frequent long-term cardiovascular complications, termed systemic arterial disorder.
- Non-invasive imaging (MRI/CT) of the aortic arch is recommended for all adult patients.
- Stent placement is the primary treatment for discrete coarctation or re-coarctation in adults.
Impact:
- Promotes a shift towards lifelong management of coarctation of the aorta.
- Encourages the use of advanced imaging techniques for early detection of complications.
- Supports endovascular repair as a preferred treatment modality for recurrent or discrete coarctation.
Abstract:
Coarctation of the aorta accounts for 7% of congenital heart diseases. It is estimated that currently approximatively 10,000 adult patients have been operated on for coarctation in France. Bicuspid aortic valve occurs in more than 50% of patients. Once operated, patients are not cured. Long-term cardiovascular complications are frequent and have leaded to the concept of systemic arterial disorder. Non-invasive imaging of the aortic arch with MRI or CT scan must be proposed to all adult patients. In the adult, stent placement for discrete coarctation or re-coarctation is the first choice treatment.
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