Coarctation of aorta with complete aortic occlusion

Survival to advanced age is exceptional in patients with unrepaired aortic coarctation. We report the case of an 81-year-old man with aortic coarctation and total occlusion who was otherwise asymptomatic. Coarctation was suspected when a femoral-radial pulse delay was noted during his routine physical examination. A 70-mmHg systolic blood pressure gradient between the upper and lower extremities was detected. Subsequent magnetic resonance angiography, aortography, and coronary angiography revealed severe coarctation of the aorta, well-developed collateral vessels, and severe coronary artery disease. A staged percutaneous coronary intervention procedure was performed and the coarctation was managed conservatively with antihypertensive medication.