Can arch anatomy predict the outcome of repaired aortic coarctation? A novel radiological parameter

The impact of arch anatomy on the prognosis of aortic coarctation of the aorta (COA) is not well established. We aim to assess the relationship between arch anatomy and the short- and long-term prognosis after surgical repair.

Patients with COA operated on the period between 11/2007 and 03/2016 were retrospectively recruited. Anatomical analysis of the aortic arch was done using Multidetector CT with measurement of the inter-branch distances between left common carotid artery, innominate artery, and left subclavian. We classified patients into group I, whose distance ratio (LCCA- IA)/(LSCA-IA) is short and less than 50%, and group II with such ratio ≥ 50%.

Seventy-three patients were recruited. The distance (LCCA-IA) had a range of Zero (common origin) to 22.3 mm. The distance ratio (LCCA-IA)/(LSCA-IA) ranged between Zero and 89%. Group I had a significantly higher incidence of adverse outcomes, including recoarctation, re-elevation of blood pressure, and re-elevation of pressure gradient, compared to Group II (p = 0.0001, 0.011, and 0.014, respectively). A positive correlation exists between the distance ratio and the residual SPG across the repaired segment (P = 0.0001). Only the anatomical distance ratio (LCCA-IA)/(LSCA-IA) can independently predict recoarctation in the long term.

There is a strong association between the anatomical distance LCCA-IA and recoarctation. This novel parameter is the only anatomical independent predictor of recoarctation.