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Supersized Atheroma Causing Acquired Coarctation of Aorta Leading to Heart Failure

Sajin Karakattu1, Ghulam Murtaza1, Sharma Dinesh1

  • 1East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.

Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports
|February 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A rare calcified aortic lesion can mimic coarctation of the aorta, causing serious symptoms. Surgical correction resolved the patient's heart failure and related issues, highlighting the importance of pulse examination in hypertensive individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Calcified atheromatous aortic lesions causing significant aortic narrowing are uncommon.
  • These lesions can obstruct the aorta, mimicking acquired coarctation of the aorta.
  • This condition can lead to impaired lower limb perfusion, visceral ischemia, and hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of a calcified atheromatous aortic lesion causing aortic coarctation-like symptoms.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic considerations and clinical presentation of this rare entity.
  • To highlight the importance of thorough physical examination in diagnosing acquired aortic coarctation.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 58-year-old patient presenting with heart failure symptoms.
  • Diagnostic workup included computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Surgical correction was performed for the identified aortic lesion.

Main Results:

  • A large calcific mass in the aortic arch was identified, causing the patient's symptoms.
  • The patient's symptoms, including dyspnea, edema, and chest pain, resolved after surgical intervention.
  • The case illustrates the clinical presentation and successful management of this rare condition.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with heart failure symptoms, uncontrolled hypertension, or ischemia, especially with preserved ejection fraction and left ventricular hypertrophy, should be evaluated for acquired aortic coarctation.
  • Routine examination of peripheral pulses in hypertensive patients is a simple yet crucial diagnostic tool.
  • Surgical correction of calcified atheromatous aortic lesions causing aortic obstruction can effectively resolve symptoms.

Keywords:
atheromatous lesioncalcificationcoarctation of aorta

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