RECENT ADVANCES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF COARCTATION OF THE AORTA

Although it has been the topic of intense medical and surgical attenti on for over 50 years, coarctation of the aorta continues to be a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in infants and childr en. Refinements in established diagnostic modalities-primarily fetal, transesophageal, and intravascular echocardiography-have improved pre- and post-treatment assessments. Aggressive and early intervention, wh ether by surgery, catheter, or both, have been shown to increase initi al success; the results of long-term follow-up are yet to be determine d. The best possible outcome requires prompt recognition and effective treatment directed at immediate gradient relief, which will hopefully prevent or reduce the known late and long-term sequelae.