Aortic recoarctation and pseudoaneurysm five decades after repair

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital cardiac defect characterized by a narrowing of the proximal thoracic aorta. Despite excellent long-term results, surgical repair is rarely complicated by recoarctation.

We describe a case with the longest time to reintervention to date, featuring surgical repair of delayed aortic recoarctation and pseudoaneurysm 53 years after the initial operation.

This case emphasizes the need for lifelong surveillance in this patient population and exemplifies a multidisciplinary approach in evaluating treatment options of complex aortic pathology, including open and endovascular considerations.