Aneurysm and Coarctation of the Aorta-Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Aneurysm and Coarctation of the Aorta

The arch of the aorta lies behind the manubrium sterni. A gross dilatation of the aorta (aneurysm) may show itself as a pulsatile swelling in the suprasternal notch.

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital narrowing of the aorta just proximal, opposite, or distal to the site of attachment of the ligamentum arteriosum. This condition is believed to result from an unusual quantity of ductus arteriosus muscle tissue in the wall of the aorta. When the ductus arteriosus contracts, the ductal muscle in the aortic wall also contracts, and the aortic lumen becomes narrowed. Later, when fibrosis takes place, the aortic wall also is involved, and permanent narrowing occurs.

Clinically, the cardinal sign of aortic coarctation is absent or diminished pulses in the femoral arteries of both lower limbs. To compensate for the diminished volume of blood reaching the lower part of the body, an enormous collateral circulation develops, with dilatation of the internal thoracic, subclavian, and posterior intercostal arteries. The dilated intercostal arteries erode the lower borders of the ribs, producing characteristic notching, which is seen on radiographic examination. The condition should be treated surgically

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

The ductus arteriosus represents the distal portion of the sixth left aortic arch and connects the left pulmonary artery to the beginning of the descending aorta. During fetal life, blood passes through it from the pulmonary artery to the aorta, thus bypassing the lungs. After birth, it normally constricts, later closes, and becomes the ligamentum arteriosum. Failure of the ductus arteriosus to close may occur as an isolated congenital abnormality or may be associated with congenital heart disease. A persistent patent ductus arteriosus results in high-pressure aortic blood passing into the pulmonary artery, which raises the pressure in the pulmonary circulation. A patent ductus arteriosus is life threatening and should be ligated and divided surgically.