FOLLOW-UP USING MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING IN ADULT PATIENTS AFTER SURGERY FOR AORTIC COARCTATION

Functional impairment, aneurysma formation, and restenosis are well kn own complications after surgery for coarctation of the aorta. In order to assess long-term results, 25 adults were studied by physical exami nation, exercise tests, and magnetic resonance imaging after an interv al ranging from 1 to 28 years since surgery for coarctation. Fifteen p atients had arterial hypertension at rest, five additional patients sh owed hypertension on exertion only. Magnetic resonance imaging showed pathological changes of the aorta in all patients. An aneurysm of the ascending aorta was seen in four patients, a circumscript aneurysm in the descending aorta at the site of surgery was found in three patient s. Restenosis of the descending aorta occurred in three patients. In e ight patients the left subclavian artery was distally displaced and di lated in eleven patients. In order to initiate appropriate treatment o f specific complications such as restenosis, aneurysm, and arterial hy pertension, regular checks are necessary in patients with surgery for aortic coarctation. In addition to clinical examination and exercise t ests, magnetic resonance imaging is an effective non-invasive imaging method for follow-up.