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Aortic coarctation echocardiography

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S.[2], Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S.[4]

Overview

Overview

Two dimensional echocardiography allows assessment of the transverse aortic arch, the isthmus, the severity of coarctation, and other associated cardiac abnormalities. Doppler echocardiography helps to decide the gradient across the coarctation and helps in making decisions regarding treatment.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography

  • 2D echocardiography helps in evaluation of the aortic arch to assess the transverse aortic arch, isthmus, and severity of coarctation.
  • Doppler echocardiography helps to decide the gradient across the coarctation and helps in taking decisions regarding treatment.
  • Useful in determining associated abnormalities.
  • Confirmation by cardiac catheterization is unnecessary. Only done when the diagnosis is unclear, which is rare. It is mandatory in the infant to determine preoperative anatomy.
  • Doppler echocardiography is used to measure the gradient at the site of coarctation and to identify the pattern of diastolic runoff typically seen in patients with severe obstruction. Doppler echo may be inaccurate.

Shown below are images of echocardiogram findings of aortic coarctation.

Echocardiogram showing coarctation of aorta

Videos

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2008 ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[1]

2008 ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[1]

Recommendations for Clinical Evaluation and Follow-Up (DO NOT EDIT)[1]

Class I
1. Initial imaging and hemodynamic evaluation by TTE, including suprasternal notch acoustic windows, is useful in suspected aortic coarctation. (Level of Evidence: B)
References

References

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