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Aortic Coarctation—Child

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Aortic Coarctation—Child

(Coarctation of the Aorta—Child)

Definition

Aortic coarctation (AC) is a narrowing of the aorta. This is the main artery in the heart. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. AC slows or blocks blood flow.

Anatomy of the Heart.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Causes

AC is a type of heart defect that a baby has at birth. It happens because of a problem with the way the aorta forms while the baby is growing in the womb.

Risk Factors

The risk of this problem is higher in children who have other family members who have heart defects.

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Headaches
  • Problems breathing
  • Lack of energy
  • Swelling
  • Cold legs and feet
  • Poor feeding in infants

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests will be done.

Pictures will be taken of the heart and the structures around it. This can be done with:

Treatment

AC that is not treated can lead to heart failure. Treatment depends on a child's age and symptoms. Choices are:

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent AC.

Treatment for Newborns

Treatment is needed right away. Medicines may be used to help blood flow to all parts of the body and to help the heart work better. Surgery may be done to take out the narrow section of the aorta and reconnect the two healthier ends.

Treatment for Children

Children may be given medicine to reduce fluid buildup. Surgery may also be needed. Choices are:

  • Resection to take out the narrow section of the aorta and reconnect the two healthier ends
  • Subclavian flap aortoplasty to make the area larger using a patch or part of the artery
  • Balloon angioplasty to widen the narrowed area using a balloon
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Coarctation of aorta. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/coarctation-of-aorta.
  • Coarctation of the aorta. Cincinnati Children’s website. Available at: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/coarctation.
  • Repair of coarctation of the aorta. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin website. Available at: https://childrenswi.org/medical-care/herma-heart/for-medical-professionals/pediatric-heart-surgery/coarctation-of-the-aorta.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.