What are the two types of coarctation?

What are the two types of coarctation?

• A. Anterior and posterior
• B. Proximal and distal
• C. Preductal and postductal
• D. Juvenile and adult

Answer: (C)

Coarctation of the aorta is defined by narrowing of the aorta, and the two forms are distinguished by their relation to the ductus arteriosus: preductal, which is proximal to the ductus (infantile form), and postductal, which is distal to the ductus (adult form). The preductal type often presents in infancy, since the ductus arteriosus can temporarily maintain blood flow to the lower body; when the ductus closes, severe obstruction can cause heart failure unless repaired. It’s frequently associated with other congenital defects, such as bicuspid aortic valve. The postductal type typically presents later, with upper-extremity hypertension and weaker femoral pulses; collateral vessels may develop to bypass the narrowed segment, sometimes visible as rib notching on imaging. Understanding the location relative to the ductus explains both the typical age of presentation and the clinical findings.

Coarctation of the aorta is defined by narrowing of the aorta, and the two forms are distinguished by their relation to the ductus arteriosus: preductal, which is proximal to the ductus (infantile form), and postductal, which is distal to the ductus (adult form). The preductal type often presents in infancy, since the ductus arteriosus can temporarily maintain blood flow to the lower body; when the ductus closes, severe obstruction can cause heart failure unless repaired. It’s frequently associated with other congenital defects, such as bicuspid aortic valve. The postductal type typically presents later, with upper-extremity hypertension and weaker femoral pulses; collateral vessels may develop to bypass the narrowed segment, sometimes visible as rib notching on imaging. Understanding the location relative to the ductus explains both the typical age of presentation and the clinical findings.