Coral reef aorta in a child: a case report
Ma Yanling1, Zhu Hongtao2, Qu Ning1
1The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Coral Reef Aorta (CRA) is a rare vascular condition that can cause severe hypertension in children. Prompt diagnosis with CT angiography is key to effective treatment and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Pediatric hypertension is often secondary.
- Rare vascular conditions like Coral Reef Aorta (CRA) are frequently overlooked.
- Refractory hypertension in children warrants consideration of uncommon etiologies.
Background:
Hypertension in children is predominantly secondary in nature. When conventional antihypertensive therapy proves ineffective, rare vascular conditions such as Coral Reef Aorta (CRA) should be considered. These disorders are extremely uncommon in pediatric practice and are often overlooked.
Case Presentation:
A 12-year-old Uyghur patient presented with intermittent headaches and severe hypertension. Computed tomography (CT) angiography of the aorta revealed multiple calcified plaques in the descending thoracic aorta, which demonstrated a coral reef-like appearance, as well as renal artery stenosis. Following renal artery balloon angioplasty and antihypertensive medication, the patient's blood pressure was successfully controlled. At the 18-month follow-up, there was no recurrence of hypertension.
Conclusion:
This case confirms that rare vascular diseases such as CRA must be included in the differential diagnosis of refractory hypertension of unknown cause in children. Early completion of aortic CT angiography is crucial for establishing a definitive diagnosis, guiding treatment, and preventing long-term complications.
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