Coarctation of the aorta in children. Late results after surgery
L. B. Beerman, W. H. Neches, R. E. Patnode, F. J. Fricker, R. A. Mathews and S. C. Park
From 1960 to 1970, 110 patients underwent operation for coarctation of the
aorta. The overall mortality was 23%. However, in infants operated on at
less than 6 months of age, the mortality was 63%, whereas there was only a
4% mortality in those operated on after 6 months of age. Late follow-up was
available in 87 patients from five to 15 years postoperatively. There was a
14% frequency of recoarctation in the group of long-term survivors.
Systemic hypertension, defined as an upper extremity blood pressure greater
than 140/90 mm Hg, was found in 23% of the survivors. This study has
demonstrated a significant frequency of postcoarctectomy hypertension and
residual hemodynamic and angiographic abnormalities in patients without
clinical evidence of recoarctation. This indicates the need for continued
long-term follow-up of these patients.
