Atherosclerosis-induced aortic coarctation: a case report
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.
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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.v2Published Citation
Shum J, Ting R. Atherosclerosis-induced aortic coarctation: a case report. RCSIsmj. 2013;6(1):42-44Publication Date
2013Department/Unit
- Undergraduate Research
Publisher
RCSI University of Medicine and Health SciencesVersion
- Published Version (Version of Record)