Incidental finding of hypertension and diminished femoral pulses: short-segment stenosis of the aorta just distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery

Abstract

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital condition generally, and may vary from mild to severe. Symptomatology depends on early or late presentation. Young patients may present within the first few weeks of life with poor feeding, tachypnea and lethargy. They usually progress to overt congestive heart failure and shock. Older children may present with a murmur or hypertension. Diagnosis is often made after hypertension is detected as an incidental finding during evaluation of other problems, such as trauma or more common illnesses. Coarctation of the aorta can be cured surgically.