Congenital Coarctation of the Distal Thoracic Aorta: Clinical and Pathological Evaluation of a Case Successfully Operated on

Summary

We report on a case of thickenings of the distal thoracic aorta in a young woman with hypertension. There were no associated vascular lesions or any evidence of an inflammatory process. The intima combined with a normal media was assessed by histopathology. These findings would strongly indicate a congenital origin of the disease. Blood supply to the spinal cord was studied preoperatively by selective angiography of intercostal and lumbar arteries. A simple endarteriotomy and a Dacron patch enabled normalization of the blood pressure. The etiological problems in pulseless disease are discussed as well as means of therapy.

Key words

Congenital coarctation - Distal thoracic aorta