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Coarctation of the aorta
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Coarctation of the aorta
Alternative Names: Aortic coarctation Symptoms: Symptoms from coarctation depend on the severity of blood flow restriction. In severe cases, symptoms are present during infancy. In milder cases, symptoms may not develop until adolescence. Symptoms include decreased exercise performance, cold feet or legs, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include: Dizziness or fainting Pounding headache Chest pain Cold extremities Nosebleed Leg cramps with exercise Hypertension (high blood pressure) with exercise Text Continues Below Note: There may be no symptoms. Signs and tests: An examination reveals high blood pressure in the arms and low blood pressure in the legs, with a significant blood pressure difference between the arms and legs. The femoral (groin) pulse is weaker than the carotid (neck) pulse, or the femoral pulse may be totally absent. Listening to the heart through a stethoscope reveals a murmur that is harsh and can be heard in the back. There may be signs of left-sided heart failure (especially in infants) or signs of aortic regurgitation. Coarctation is often discovered during a newborn infant's first examination or during a well-baby exam. The health care provider will detect that the femoral pulses are absent or very weak. Taking the pulses in an infant is an important part of the examination as there may not be any other symptoms or findings until the child is older. Tests to diagnose this condition may include: X-ray of the chest (may also show abnormal ribs or "notching" of ribs caused by enlargement of the rib arteries) ECG that indicates left ventricle enlargement Echocardiography Doppler ultrasound of the aorta Chest CT MRI of the chest Cardiac catheterization and aortography Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>