MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing (constriction) in a part of the body’s main artery (aorta). The heart must pump more forcefully to send blood through the aorta and on to the rest of the body. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It moves oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Detailed explanation-2: -What is Coarctation of the Aorta? Coarctation of the aorta is a birth defect in which a part of the aorta is narrower than usual. If the narrowing is severe enough and if it is not diagnosed, the baby may have serious problems and may need surgery or other procedures soon after birth.

Detailed explanation-3: -Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, most commonly occurring just beyond the left subclavian artery. However, it can occur in various other locations of the aortic arch or even in the thoracic or abdominal aorta.

Detailed explanation-4: -The exact cause of coarctation of the aorta is unknown. It results from abnormalities in development of the aorta prior to birth. Aortic coarctation is more common in people with certain genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome.

Detailed explanation-5: -In the past, coarctation of the aorta has been described as preductal (or infantile) type or postductal (or adult) type, depending on whether the coarctation segment is proximal or distal to the ductus arteriosus, respectively. However, a closer examination of the anatomy suggests that all coarctations are juxtaductal.