Coarctation of the thoracic aorta: an 18-year experience

The American Surgeon
|January 1, 1981
PubMed

Insights

Surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta in infants has a high mortality rate due to associated defects. Early correction in older children significantly reduces mortality and prevents long-term hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect requiring surgical intervention.
  • Infants with coarctation often present with severe symptoms and multiple cardiac anomalies.
  • Older patients may present with hypertension or be asymptomatic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes of surgical correction for coarctation of the aorta in different age groups.
  • To compare mortality rates and long-term complications between infants and older children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 80 patients undergoing coarctation repair between 1960 and 1978.
  • Categorization of patients into two groups: infants (<3 months) and older children (≥3 months).
  • Analysis of surgical procedures, mortality, and postoperative complications.

Main Results:

  • Infants (<3 months) had a high mortality rate (58%) primarily due to associated cardiac defects.
  • Older patients (≥3 months) experienced a low operative mortality rate (two deaths).
  • Complications in older patients included paradoxical hypertension, recurrent coarctation, and false aneurysms.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical correction of coarctation in infants is associated with high mortality due to complex congenital heart disease.
  • Early surgical intervention in older children offers minimal operative risk and prevents long-term sequelae like hypertension.

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