A case of severe asymptomatic aortic coarctation in an adult female

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Case Reports
• Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital narrowing of the aorta, typically diagnosed in pediatric or young adult patients.
• Untreated coarctation of the aorta is associated with significantly reduced life expectancy and severe cardiovascular sequelae.
• Late diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta is uncommon, particularly in older individuals.

Observation:

• This report details the case of a woman who received a first-time diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta at an advanced age.
• The patient presented with cardiovascular complications indicative of long-standing aortic narrowing.
• The diagnostic journey and clinical presentation in this elderly patient were atypical for coarctation of the aorta.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta was established in an elderly female patient, challenging the typical age of presentation.
• The case underscores the possibility of severe cardiovascular complications arising from undiagnosed coarctation of the aorta persisting into older age.
• This presentation suggests that coarctation of the aorta may remain clinically silent or present with varied symptoms in advanced age.

Implications:

• This case broadens the understanding of the clinical spectrum and potential age of diagnosis for coarctation of the aorta.
• It highlights the importance of considering coarctation of the aorta in the differential diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases in older adults.
• Further research may be warranted to explore the long-term outcomes and management strategies for coarctation of the aorta diagnosed late in life.