Coarctation of the Aorta

One hundred and ninety patients over the age of two operated upon for coarctation of the aorta from 1957 to 1972 at one institution were followed for one to 15.5 years (mean, 6.6 years). There were eleven cardiovascular deaths in the follow-up period. The mean age at death was 32.5 years. Two-thirds of the patients had an associated cardiovascular anomaly; 74 had coexistent aortic valve disease, and 19 had mitral stenosis or insufficiency. Five patients had a significant central nervous system event in the late postoperative period. Left ventricular hypertrophy by electrocardiogram was noted in 45, and 72 had radiographic left ventricular hypertrophy. A significant persistent or residual hemodynamic abnormality, either congenital heart disease, residual coarctation or persistent diastolic hypertension, could account for the residual electrocardiographic or radiographic abnormality. The data indicate that this population requires continuing care despite correction of the coarctation.