Podcast
Questions and Answers
Coarctation of the aorta is characterized by which of the following?
Coarctation of the aorta is characterized by which of the following?
- Dilation of the aortic arch
- Thickening of the mitral valve
- Narrowing of the aortic arch (correct)
- Enlargement of the pulmonary artery
Coarctation of the aorta typically leads to decreased blood pressure in the arteries distal to the narrowing.
Coarctation of the aorta typically leads to decreased blood pressure in the arteries distal to the narrowing.
True (A)
What genetic condition is commonly associated with coarctation of the aorta?
What genetic condition is commonly associated with coarctation of the aorta?
Turner syndrome
In neonates with coarctation of the aorta, a common clinical sign is weak ________ pulses.
In neonates with coarctation of the aorta, a common clinical sign is weak ________ pulses.
Match the following investigations with their primary purpose in diagnosing coarctation of the aorta:
Match the following investigations with their primary purpose in diagnosing coarctation of the aorta:
Which medication is typically administered to maintain ductus arteriosus patency in infants with coarctation of the aorta?
Which medication is typically administered to maintain ductus arteriosus patency in infants with coarctation of the aorta?
Balloon angioplasty for coarctation of the aorta involves surgically removing the narrowed section of the aorta.
Balloon angioplasty for coarctation of the aorta involves surgically removing the narrowed section of the aorta.
Name one potential post-treatment complication of coarctation of the aorta repair.
Name one potential post-treatment complication of coarctation of the aorta repair.
In severe, untreated cases, coarctation of the aorta can lead to ________ failure or death.
In severe, untreated cases, coarctation of the aorta can lead to ________ failure or death.
What percentage range does coarctation of the aorta represent of all congenital heart defects?
What percentage range does coarctation of the aorta represent of all congenital heart defects?
The etiology of coarctation of the aorta is definitively known.
The etiology of coarctation of the aorta is definitively known.
What is a common early symptom in infants with coarctation of the aorta related to their feeding habits?
What is a common early symptom in infants with coarctation of the aorta related to their feeding habits?
An __________ systolic murmur in the left infraclavicular region is a common clinical sign of coarctation of the aorta.
An __________ systolic murmur in the left infraclavicular region is a common clinical sign of coarctation of the aorta.
Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical sign observed in infants with coarctation of the aorta?
Which of the following is NOT a typical clinical sign observed in infants with coarctation of the aorta?
Congestive heart failure is a possible finding on a chest X-ray of a patient with coarctation of the aorta.
Congestive heart failure is a possible finding on a chest X-ray of a patient with coarctation of the aorta.
What is the purpose of using dobutamine or dopamine in the medical management of coarctation of the aorta?
What is the purpose of using dobutamine or dopamine in the medical management of coarctation of the aorta?
Aortic _________ is a potential complication that can occur after the treatment of coarctation of the aorta.
Aortic _________ is a potential complication that can occur after the treatment of coarctation of the aorta.
What is the primary goal of administering Prostaglandin E1 to a neonate with coarctation of the aorta?
What is the primary goal of administering Prostaglandin E1 to a neonate with coarctation of the aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta can only be diagnosed in infancy and cannot be detected antenatally.
Coarctation of the aorta can only be diagnosed in infancy and cannot be detected antenatally.
Besides balloon angioplasty, name one other surgical option for correcting coarctation of the aorta.
Besides balloon angioplasty, name one other surgical option for correcting coarctation of the aorta.
In the context of coarctation of the aorta, a difference in blood pressure between the arms and legs is a clinical sign indicative of reduced blood flow to the __________ extremities.
In the context of coarctation of the aorta, a difference in blood pressure between the arms and legs is a clinical sign indicative of reduced blood flow to the __________ extremities.
Which investigation is most useful to identify any other associated cardiac abnormailities alongside coarctation of the aorta?
Which investigation is most useful to identify any other associated cardiac abnormailities alongside coarctation of the aorta?
Male gender is considered as protective factor against coarctation of the aorta
Male gender is considered as protective factor against coarctation of the aorta
What does ductal-dependent mean when describing a congenital heart condition?
What does ductal-dependent mean when describing a congenital heart condition?
Left ventricular _________ may be observed on an ECG of a patient with severe coarctation of the aorta
Left ventricular _________ may be observed on an ECG of a patient with severe coarctation of the aorta
Flashcards
Coarctation of the Aorta
Coarctation of the Aorta
Narrowing of the aortic arch, typically near the ductus arteriosus.
Aetiology of Coarctation
Aetiology of Coarctation
Under-development of the aortic arch in utero or ductal tissue expanding into the aorta.
Risk Factors for Coarctation
Risk Factors for Coarctation
Male gender, Turner syndrome, family history, bicuspid aortic valve & other congenital heart defects.
Symptoms of Coarctation in Infants
Symptoms of Coarctation in Infants
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Clinical Signs of Coarctation
Clinical Signs of Coarctation
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Investigations for Coarctation
Investigations for Coarctation
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Management of Coarctation
Management of Coarctation
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Complications of Untreated Coarctation
Complications of Untreated Coarctation
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Post-Treatment Complications
Post-Treatment Complications
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Ductal-Dependent Congenital Heart Condition
Ductal-Dependent Congenital Heart Condition
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Effect of Coarctation on the Heart
Effect of Coarctation on the Heart
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Differentials for resistant hypertension
Differentials for resistant hypertension
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Medical Management: Prostaglandin E1
Medical Management: Prostaglandin E1
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Surgical Management Options
Surgical Management Options
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Pulse Oximetry
Pulse Oximetry
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Rib Notching
Rib Notching
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Study Notes
- Coarctation of the aorta involves the narrowing of the aortic arch, typically near the ductus arteriosus or ligamentum arteriosum.
- It accounts for 6-8% of congenital heart defects.
Aetiology
- The exact cause remains unclear.
- One theory suggests under-development in utero because of reduced blood flow.
- Another theory involves ductal tissue expanding into the thoracic aorta, causing constriction after birth.
- It leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and reduced pressure in distal arteries.
Risk factors
- Male gender increases the risk.
- Genetic conditions like Turner syndrome are risk factors.
- A family history contributes to the risk.
- Commonly associated with other congenital heart defects, like a bicuspid aortic valve.
Symptoms
- In infants, symptoms include poor feeding, tachypnoea, and increased work of breathing.
- Irritability and a grey/floppy appearance can also be indicative.
- Antenatal detection is possible, but it can remain undiagnosed until adulthood.
Clinical signs
- Weak femoral pulses are a common sign in neonates.
- An ejection systolic murmur may be heard in the left infraclavicular region.
- Unequal blood pressure between arms can be observed.
- Differences in pre and post-ductal oxygen saturations are notable.
- Cold extremities are often present.
- Later signs may include a left ventricular heave and radio/radial-femoral delay.
Investigations
- ECG results may be normal or show left ventricular hypertrophy.
- Chest X-rays may reveal indentation of the aortic shadow, rib notching, or congestive heart failure.
- Echocardiograms help assess the coarctation and associated abnormalities.
- MRI provides detailed assessment of the coarctation and any related issues.
Management
- Prostaglandin E1 maintains ductus arteriosus patency.
- Dobutamine or dopamine can manage heart failure.
- Supportive care is essential.
- Surgical options include balloon angioplasty, resection with end-to-end anastomosis, or bypass graft.
Complications
- Untreated severe coarctation can result in heart failure or death.
- Chronic hypertension is a common complication.
- Other complications include brain aneurysm rupture, brain haemorrhage, and aortic dissection.
- Aortic aneurysm, congestive heart failure, and irreversible heart damage can also occur.
Post-treatment complications
- Re-coarctation is possible.
- Aortic aneurysm or rupture can develop.
- Persistent hypertension may occur.
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