Hypertension associated with coarctation of the aorta revisited: case-based update from experience of three children

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Ali Baykan1, Mustafa Argun, Abdullah Ozyurt

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Melikgazi, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey.

Case Reports in Pediatrics
|October 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) can cause hypertension and stroke in children. Early diagnosis through physical examination is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing severe neurological complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) presents varied clinical manifestations based on severity and age.
  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment of CoA can lead to severe neurological events like intracranial hemorrhage or infarction.
  • Systemic hypertension is a significant clinical presentation of CoA, particularly in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight Coarctation of the aorta as a potential cause of systemic hypertension in pediatric patients.
  • To emphasize the distinct diagnostic approaches for hypertension in children compared to adults.
  • To draw attention to CoA as a cause of stroke in adolescents.

Main Methods:

  • Case report analysis of pediatric patients presenting with CoA and associated neurological events.
  • Review of diagnostic strategies for hypertension in children.
  • Emphasis on the role of physical examination in identifying potential CoA.

Main Results:

  • Three cases are presented: two of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and one of hypertensive cerebellar infarction linked to CoA.
  • These cases underscore the association between CoA and stroke in the adolescent population.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering CoA in the differential diagnosis of pediatric hypertension and stroke.

Conclusions:

  • Coarctation of the aorta should be considered in adolescents presenting with hypertensive stroke.
  • Physical examination is vital for evaluating hypertension in children.
  • A specialized diagnostic approach is necessary for secondary hypertension in pediatric cases.

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