Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
05:07

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

Published on: July 21, 2023

1.2K

The importance of the early diagnosis of aorta coarctation

Luana Resende Cangussú1, Matheus Rodrigues Lopes2, Romero Henrique de Almeida Barbosa2

  • 1Medical student, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brasil.

Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|March 21, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Early diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA), a congenital narrowing of the aorta, is crucial. Despite well-elucidated pathophysiology, delayed diagnosis in childhood leads to severe complications and high mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital narrowing of the aortic artery, occurring with an incidence of 3 per 10,000 births.
  • It is a common cardiopathy associated with high mortality and morbidity, primarily due to delayed diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of early diagnosis in improving patient prognosis for coarctation of the aorta.
  • To underscore the importance of physical examination in identifying this condition.

Main Methods:

  • A literature review was conducted using PubMed, SciELO, and Lilacs databases.
  • Keywords included: coarctation, aorta, diagnosis, heart diseases, congenital abnormalities.

Main Results:

  • The pathophysiology and systemic implications of CoA are understood, but diagnosis in childhood is often missed.
  • Lack of routine pulse palpation and differential blood pressure measurements contributes to underdiagnosis.
  • Untreated coarctation can lead to aneurysms, heart failure, coronary disease, and stroke, significantly reducing survival rates.

Conclusions:

  • Coarctation of the aorta is a critical congenital malformation with significant incidence and mortality risk.
  • Early diagnosis is paramount for a better patient prognosis and improved survival outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

FISH for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis07:34

FISH for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis

Published on: February 23, 2011

37.8K
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

4.2K

Related Concept Videos

The Aorta01:14

The Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries. Structurally, it can be divided into four main parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
2.7K
The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
1.7K
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
1.6K
Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
2.3K
Nursing Diagnosis01:22

Nursing Diagnosis

Following assessment, a nursing diagnosis is the next step in the nursing process. It begins after the nurse has collected and recorded the patient data. The purpose of diagnosing is to identify how the client responds to actual or potential health processes, identify factors that bestow or that cause health problems, the etiologies, and identify resources or strengths the individual, group, or community can draw on to prevent or resolve problems.
The nursing diagnosis focuses on evidence-based...
3.9K
Documentation of Nursing Diagnosis01:10

Documentation of Nursing Diagnosis

The nurse documents nursing diagnoses and enters them into the patient record. The identified patient's nursing diagnosis is either written out with a plan of care or entered into the electronic health record.
In some settings, data-driven computerized decision support systems are in place, allowing for more accurate nursing diagnoses. The database within one of these systems includes diagnostic labels defining characteristics, activities, and indicators for nursing. A nurse enters...
1.7K