Coarctation of the aorta

Unequal blood pressures in the extremities and unequal brachial vs femoral pulses? Consider coarctation of the aorta. What’s that? Learn more in today's episode! 

This episode was written by pediatricians Lidia Park and Tammy Yau with content support from Jay Yeh (UC Davis pediatric cardiologist). Pediatricians Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.  

Key Points: 

• Coarctation of the aorta is narrowing of the aorta near the ductus arteriosus (which closes and becomes the ligamentum arteriosum). Most cases occur in the first month of life.  
• Symptoms of coarctation of the aorta are tachypnea, poor feeding, fussiness, and sweating with feeds. Blood pressure is elevated in the right upper extremity compared to the lower extremity. Babies can develop congestive heart failure which can lead to shock.  
• CCHD does not always catch coarctations of the aorta!  

Sources: 

• Raza S, Aggarwal S, Jenkins P, et al. Coarctation of the Aorta: Diagnosis and Management. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023;13(13):2189. Published 2023 Jun 27. doi:10.3390/diagnostics13132189 
• Salciccioli KB, Zachariah JP. Coarctation of the Aorta: Modern Paradigms Across the Lifespan. Hypertension. 2023;80(10):1970-1979. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.19454 
• Parker LE, Landstrom AP. Genetic Etiology of Left-Sided Obstructive Heart Lesions: A Story in Development. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021;10(2):e019006. doi:10.1161/JAHA.120.019006