Can coarctation of the aorta be seen on ultrasound?
Coarctation of the aorta can be suspected during a routine prenatal ultrasound or after a fetal echocardiogram (focused ultrasound of the fetal heart performed by a fetal cardiologist).
Can coarctation of the aorta be detected before birth?
It remains one of the most difficult cardiac defects to diagnose before birth. Antenatal diagnosis of coarctation is critically important for early treatment of the neonate. Suspicion is usually raised when there is a ventricular disproportion, with a disproportionately smaller left ventricle than right ventricle.
How do you fix coarctation of the aorta?
How Is COA Treated? Coarctation of the aorta can be repaired with surgery or other procedures. One of the most common ways to fix a coarctation is to remove the narrow section and reconnect the two ends of the aorta. In some cases, doctors may do a balloon dilation (also called balloon angioplasty).
What is the difference between coarctation of the aorta and aortic stenosis?
This spectrum is dichotomized by the idea that aortic coarctation occurs in the aortic arch, at or near the ductus arteriosus, whereas aortic stenosis occurs in the aortic root, at or near the aortic valve.
Is coarctation of the aorta a heart disease?
Coarctation of the aorta is often considered a critical congenital heart defect (critical CHD) because if the narrowing is severe enough and it is not diagnosed, the baby may have serious problems soon after birth.
Can Tetralogy of Fallot be seen on ultrasound?
Tetralogy of Fallot might be seen during an ultrasound (which creates pictures of the body). Some findings from the ultrasound may make the health care provider suspect a baby may have tetralogy of Fallot. If so, the health care provider can request a fetal echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis.
What is coarctation of the aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta ( CoA ) refers to a narrowing of the aortic lumen. Coarctations account for between 5-8% of all congenital heart defects. They are more frequent in males, M:F ratio of ~2-3:1.
What is the rate of incidence for coarctation of the aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births and accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all congenital heart defects. It is less common, but it is also not unusual for the diagnosis to be made in adulthood.
What is the outlook for a child with coarctation of the aorta?
The outlook after surgery is favorable, but long-term follow-up by a pediatric cardiologist is needed. Rarely, coarctation of the aorta may recur. Then another procedure to relieve the obstruction may be needed. Also, blood pressure may stay high even when the aorta’s narrowing has been repaired.
What is a CoA heart defect?
The American Heart Association explains the congenital heart defect Coarctation of the Aorta, CoA, in children and adults. What is it? A narrowing of the major artery (the aorta) that carries blood to the body. Skip to main content Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms