Coarctation of the aorta.

A review of the congenital anomaly of coarctation of the aorta has been presented. The salient features in diagnosis are the differential pressures and pulses between the upper and lower extremities. Also, the features of left ventricular hypertrophy and pulsating intercostal vessels are significant. The essential complications are those of sustained hypertension. In most cases surgical correction can be accomplished with excision of the coarcted segment and an end-to-end anastomosis. In some instances, particularly in adults, a graft may be necessary. The surgical results have been gratifying with a mortality rate of less than 5 per cent and in general a reduction of the blood pressure to normal.