Therapeutic options for coarctation of the aorta

Abstract

Coarctation of the aorta is a relatively frequent congenital heart disease. Depending on the severity of the coarctation and the possible existence of other congenital heart defects, the symptoms may vary. In the neonatal period, the patients may have signs of heart failure, hypoperfusion or even shock. Coarctation of the aorta can be diagnosed incidentally in adolescence or adulthood, usually presented with mild symptoms. The patient’s anatomy, size, age, and clinical course are taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate treatment. Although associated morbidity and mortality risks regarding surgical or interventional treatment are relatively low, it is neccesary to etabilsh a long term follow-up, given the possible post-surgical complications that may occur: recoarctation, aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and hypertension. Long term prognosis of these patients mostly depends on the presence of systemic hypertension with its consequences leading to premature cardiovascular events. Another factor is the severity of associated defects: aortic stenosis, mitral valve abnormalities. The purpose of this review is to describe the main treatmet methods, indications for intervention and possible complications of the surgical and interventional treatment.

Keywords

• coarctation of the aorta
• balloon angioplasty
• stent
• recoarctation
• surgical treatment