Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Browse

Atherosclerosis-induced aortic coarctation: a case report

Download (488.31 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-02, 08:48 authored by Jonathan Shum, Robert Ting

Acquired aortic coarctations are uncommon but potentially life threatening. They are poorly reported in the literature, primarily due to their rarity. We describe a 36-year-old Asian woman with a longstanding history of moderate hypertension. She developed atherosclerosis in her abdominal aorta, in the region of the coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric arteries. Her condition deteriorated after a motor vehicle accident, upon which her blood pressure could no longer be controlled, despite the use of several antihypertensive medications. The patient experienced claudication and weakness in both of her legs. A CT angiogram revealed a near complete suprarenal aortic occlusion, which accounted for her presentation. A left axillo-femoral bypass was performed. The benefits of the surgery were seen immediately. Her blood pressure improved and her other symptoms diminished. Aortic coarctations are most commonly derived from a congenital defect. Acquired coarctations are significantly rarer. There are a number of features that appear to be consistent with aortic coarctations such as uncontrolled hypertension, diminished lower limb pulses, and lower limb intermittent claudication. Treatment is surgical, after which the patient’s blood pressure and ankle/brachial indices must be closely monitored to determine success.

History

Comments

The original article is available at http://www.rcsismj.com/ Part of the RCSIsmj collection 2012-3 https://doi.org/10.25419/rcsi.c.6767511.v2

Published Citation

Shum J, Ting R. Atherosclerosis-induced aortic coarctation: a case report. RCSIsmj. 2013;6(1):42-44

Publication Date

2013

Department/Unit

  • Undergraduate Research

Publisher

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Version

  • Published Version (Version of Record)

Usage metrics

    Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC