variants and anatomy
Last reviewed 01/2023
There are two variants; preductal and postductal.
Preductal coarctation involves hypoplasia or interruption of the aortic arch; in this situation the patient is entirely dependent on duct patency for life. Presentation is as the duct closes between day 2 and 6 of life with acute symptoms.
Postductal coarctations are less severe; a complete interruption of the aorta after the duct would be incompatible with life. The clinical picture is of developing collateral circulation, often presenting later in life with features of systemic hypertension.
In both types there is a shelf like lesion in the aorta between the left subclavian artery and the duct.